‘His Majesty won’t change his mind on polygamy’ — Olu of Warri’s wife

Olori Ivie Atuwatse III, wife of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has dismissed the possibility of the monarch taking another wife, insisting that he has no intention of embracing polygamy.

The queen consort made the remark in an interview with BBC News Pidgin published on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, while discussing her marriage, royal responsibilities and personal style.

Asked what she would do if the monarch changed his position on polygamy, Olori Atuwatse said she did not expect such a situation to arise.

“Firstly, His Majesty no go fit change him mind about polygamy. Make we just settle that one for there. Me alone, one me, I be like three women, so I dey alright for am,” she said.

The comment comes months after the Olu of Warri spoke about his decision to remain in a monogamous marriage despite the polygamous tradition associated with some traditional rulers.

In a January 2026 interview with BBC Pidgin, the monarch said, “God did not give me that grace,” when asked about taking another wife.

He also explained that the demands of his position already consumed much of his time and that he preferred to preserve peace within his home and family.

Speaking about her marriage, Olori Atuwatse said she enjoys watching the public recognise her husband’s achievements.

“The thing wey I like about being married to His Majesty is that, all the fame or the popularity wey him get, na say I get to see the world celebrate his genius, his swag also, cos me too I dey celebrate am. And when the world dey celebrate am, e dey ginger me more,” she said.

She, however, acknowledged that the monarch’s demanding schedule sometimes limits the time they are able to spend together.

The lawyer also spoke about her signature turban, saying it was a personal choice and a way of expressing respect for her position as queen.

“My dressing is how I like it. People ask me why I dey cover my hair. My turban na my crown, na so I dey see am,” she said.

“Anytime I dey in Queen mode, I like to dey cover my hair to just give respect to di office wey I get, and I no feel say I dey restricted.”

In a lighter revelation, the queen said she also plays a role in her husband’s fashion choices.

“You want make I tell you secret? I be my husband stylist,” she said.

On politics, Olori Atuwatse said she had no plans to seek political office but encouraged women interested in politics to pursue leadership opportunities, stressing the importance of self-belief.

The couple married in 2014 and have three children.

The Olu of Warri ascended the throne in August 2021 as the 21st Olu of Warri, succeeding his uncle, Ogiame Ikenwoli.