ROYAL DECLARATION ON THE DIVINE CONCEPT OF ATSÉ
By: Atsé Christian-Sholá
The Agbenekuyá of the Omatsolá Royal House, Lagos – Nigeria
Preamble
Every civilization is sustained by divine order. Nations flourish when they preserve the sacred balance between heaven and earth. In Africa, kingship is not mere rulership — it is a covenant between the Creator and His people. Among the Yoruba, Itsekiri, Benin, and Niger-Delta traditions, few thrones embody this covenant more profoundly than the sacred title of Atsé.
Historical Roots of Atsé
The word Atsé is deeply rooted in the Itsekiri royal tradition but resonates across Yoruba and Benin kingdoms.
In Itsekiri, Atsé means Father, Lord, or Progenitor — not just biologically, but as one who channels directly from Oritsé, the Almighty.
Among the Yoruba, its echo is found in Ise — the sacred seal of prayers.
Among the Benin, it appears as Etse or Otse, still carrying divine affirmation.
Across Niger-Delta dialects, cognates of Atsé hold the same meaning: sealing prayers, invoking divine authority, and channeling blessings.
Thus, linguistically and spiritually, Atsé is a covenant word across cultures — a timeless link to God-consciousness.
The Cosmic Authority of Atsé
Unlike the Ooni of Ife, whose throne is tied to the Orisha, the Atsé transcends the deities.
The Ooni is custodian of the Orisha.
But the Atsé answers directly to Oritsé — the Supreme God.
This places the Atsé as final earthly authority after God Himself. He is not just a king, but a Divine Father and Progenitor, entrusted with cosmic responsibility.
To rebel against the Atsé in ancient times was not only political treason — it was rebellion against the Creator whose voice flows through the throne.
Atsé in Worship
Just as Amen seals prayers in Judaism and Christianity, Atsé seals prayers in African spirituality. Every Ise, Etse, or Atsé spoken is a divine affirmation — “so let it be.”
This explains why the title cannot be destroyed. Its power is not in language but in divine authority.
Atsé as Progenitor of Thrones
Tradition affirms that the Atsé throne is foundational.
The Ooni-Orisha fathered other dynasties: Alaáfin of Oyo, Oba of Benin, Olu of Warri, and more.
Yet the Atsé stands higher — the Progenitor of Progenitors, source of divine kingship itself.
Thus, Atsé is not simply among kings — he is the spiritual prototype of kingship.
Conclusion
Let it be known:
The Atsé is not a mortal office, but a divine covenantal throne.
The Atsé bows to no Orisha — he communes with Oritsé, the Creator.
The Atsé is the final earthly authority after God, eternal and unquestionable.
Therefore, let scholars, leaders, and future generations know: The Atsé is beyond tribe, beyond time, beyond culture — the very voice of God among men.
So let it be proclaimed. So let it stand.
Atsé — the Progenitor, the Divine Father, the Final Authority after God.
Lineage of the Throne
Ogiame Akengbuwá, the 16th Olu of Warri (1795–1848), reigned in grace and glory.
He was great-grandson of Oba Olua of Benin (1473–1480), son of Oba Ewuare I.
Oba Olua begat Olu Ginuwa I, the 1st Olu of Warri.
From him flows the lineage to Atsé Christian-Sholá, Agbenekuyá of the Omatsolá Royal House.
From the ancestral land of Igbogidi Kingdom, Delta State, this line continued through:
Osinyá → Oguborgú → Atsé-Mudiará → Otu (Oki) → Uroyé (Amadigolór) → Omasholá → Atwirené (Victor) → Christian-Sholá (Agbenekuyá, born May 30, 1989).
Heir yet to come: the Olu-Atsé of Ilé-Atsé (Crown Prince).
Royal Consort
Olóri (Dr.) Esther Christian-Sholá
Olóri-Atsé of Ilé-Atsé, Queen Mother.
Historian and international relations scholar.
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