The wife of the Olu of Warri, Olori Ivie Atuwatse III, has said her husband, Ogiame Atuwatse III, will not embrace polygamy, insisting that she is more than enough for the monarch.
The queen consort made this known in an interview with BBC News Pidgin published on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, where she spoke about her marriage, fashion and her responsibilities as a member of the Warri royal household.
Asked what she would do if the monarch changed his mind about his earlier decision to remain in a monogamous marriage, Atuwatse dismissed the possibility.
“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 comments came months after the Olu of Warri also addressed the issue in a BBC Pidgin interview in January.
The monarch had explained that despite the traditional practice of polygamy among some African rulers, he had chosen to remain with one wife.
“God did not give me that grace,” he said, explaining that the responsibilities of the throne already demanded much of his time and that he preferred to maintain peace within his home.
Speaking about her marriage, Atuwatse said she particularly enjoyed seeing people celebrate her husband’s achievements and personality.
“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 amount of time they spend together because of his royal responsibilities.
Atuwatse, a lawyer by training, also spoke about her fashion choices, particularly her trademark turban.
Responding to questions about whether her position as queen restricts her style, she said her decision to cover her hair was personal and symbolic.
“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.
She added that she wears the turban whenever she is in “Queen mode” because she considers it a way of showing respect for the office she occupies.
The queen consort also revealed that she sometimes helps coordinate her husband’s appearance.
“You want make I tell you secret? I be my husband stylist,” she said jokingly.
On politics, Atuwatse said she had no intention of contesting for political office but encouraged women who were interested in politics to pursue their ambitions.
She stressed the importance of self-confidence for women seeking leadership positions.
Atuwatse and the Olu of Warri married in 2014 and have three children.
The monarch ascended the throne in August 2021 as the 21st Olu of Warri, succeeding his uncle, Ogiame Ikenwoli.