Queen Consort of Warri Olori Ivie Atuwatse III has been awarded Freedom of the City of London.
The award is one of the United Kingdom’s most esteemed civic recognitions.
She joins iconic figures who have received the award like Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, Margaret Thatcher, Stephen Hawking, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Winston Churchill.
The honour celebrates her transformative leadership and commitment to amplifying Africa’s authentic narratives on the global stage.
She is the first female African royal to receive this recognition.
The Freedom of the City of London Award, dating back to 1237, is one of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies still in existence today, symbolising a unique bond between the City of London and its most distinguished recipients. This award recognises individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society, embodying values of leadership, courage, and philanthropy.
Through her initiatives with the Iwere Foundation and Elevate Africa, the wife of the Olu of Warri has dedicated herself to creating sustainable pathways for growth, poverty alleviation, and social equity in her community and beyond.
In her speech at the award ceremony, Olori Atuwatse shared her dedication to telling Africa’s authentic stories — narratives of resilience, innovation and rich culture.
“The Africa we see is a land of boundless potential, and by sharing our stories, we inspire the world to recognise the continent’s true strength and potential,” she said.
In an Instagram post, she wrote: “This recognition holds immense meaning due to my personal ties to London, and Freedom symbolises the enduring power of community. To be the first African Queen to receive this accolade—the highest reverence the City can bestow—is a tribute to the path that has led me here. I can only imagine how proud my 18-year-old self would be to witness this moment.”
“This honour and its weight have further entrenched my responsibility to my God and my people to live a life of impact. The Honorary Freedom of the City of London is not just an accolade; it is a renewed call to uplift others, to represent my heritage with pride, and to use this platform to continue to champion positive change within my community,” she added.
