Leadership for Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, is less about the rigid exercise of power and more about the fluid expression of a divine narrative. During a candid dialogue on the Crea8torium show, the monarch described himself as a "dreamer" who views his life and current position as the product of a story orchestrated by God, whom he calls the "ultimate artist" and storyteller. This intentional approach to a modern monarchy recently manifested in a viral moment where the king was filmed inspecting infrastructure on a scooter—an unplanned act that the Crea8torium host noted contributed to his "10,000 aura points" and reinforced a brand that is profoundly believable because it remains true to his organic personality. By choosing the scooter to unwind and get closer to his people, the Olu demonstrated that even traditional rulers in the 1700s would have likely embraced the latest technologies of their time to better understand their surroundings.
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Navigating the space between what he calls the "Old and New Testaments" of society, the king advocates for a cultural evolution that mirrors the flexibility of water. He rejects the notion that tradition must remain static, arguing that "life is for the living" and that those who refuse to move with the times risk being left behind by a younger generation that values relevance alongside reverence. The Crea8torium interview highlights that being a revered figure—as seen in the monarchies of Japan or Thailand—is entirely compatible with being at the edge of modern technology. However, the king makes a sharp distinction between a standard content creator and a "custodian" of culture; while creators may seek "cheap applause," custodians carry the "burden" of ensuring their storytelling respects history and identity, preventing ancestors from "knocking them on the head" for trivializing their heritage.
For professionals and creators feeling "boxed in" by legacy industries, the Olu suggests that storytelling, rather than outright rebellion, is the most effective way to shift established systems. He points to the transformation of the once-intimidating Santa Claus into a friendly global icon through 20th-century marketing as a prime example of how to "increase the volume" of a new story while fading out the old. Ultimately, the Crea8torium session serves as a blueprint for modern innovation, encouraging "little upstarts" to use a "David and Goliath" strategy where they don't take themselves too seriously. By creating an engaging "dance" between the old and the new, leaders can foster a narrative that invites people to root for the underdog while successfully maneuvering through the most structured and rigid environments.
