‘I’m like three women’: Olori Atuwatse says Olu of Warri won’t embrace polygamy

Olori Atuwatse III, wife of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has said her husband will not change his position on polygamy.

The Queen commented during an exclusive interview with BBC News Pidgin published on 23 September.

She was asked whether she would accept her husband taking another wife if he changed his mind about polygamy.

Olori Atuwatse said she did not expect the monarch to change his position.

“First of all, His Majesty will not change his mind about polygamy, so let us settle that first,” she said.

She added jokingly, “I alone, one person, I am like three women, so I am fine with that.”

The Queen also acknowledged that sharing her husband’s time can sometimes be difficult because of his many responsibilities as the Olu of Warri.

She said the couple is learning how to manage the demands of his role, but added, “I just want him for myself.”

What the Olu said

Olori Atuwatse’s comments come months after her husband explained why he had chosen not to marry more than one wife.

In January, PREMIUM TIMES reported Olu’s position, including his explanation for choosing to remain married to one woman.

He said his role as king already placed heavy demands on his time and that he did not want to complicate his family life.

“As for marrying many wives, I do not know; God did not give me that grace,” he said.

The monarch also said he valued the peace and stability of his home and wanted to spend time with his family when he was away from his public duties.

Ogiame Atuwatse III and Olori Atuwatse married in 2014 and have three children.

The Queen’s latest comments come as she speaks publicly about the same issue her husband addressed earlier this year, making clear that she supports his decision to remain in a monogamous marriage.