Business leader and motivational speaker Tara Fela-Durotoye is set to be conferred into the prestigious Royal Order of Iwere (ROI) by His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, tomorrow—Saturday, August 23, 2025, in Warri. This honor, second in rank only to chieftaincy in the Iwere Kingdom, is reserved for individuals who embody service, integrity, and the highest ideals of excellence.
Tara Fela-Durotoye
In a heartfelt message following the announcement, Tara reflected: “What an honour when recognition comes from home!!!! Tomorrow… I will be conferred with a royal honour by His Royal Majesty… This momentous investiture is deeply meaningful to me, as it reflects a recognition of service, integrity, and commitment to the values and enduring legacy of the Iwere Kingdom. The Royal Order of Iwere is second only to chieftaincy and reserved for individuals whose lives reflect the highest ideals of excellence and honour—principles I strive daily to uphold. I am grateful to Olu of Warri & Olori Atuwatse for this honor.”
A Woman of Impact and Inspiration
Tara Fela-Durotoye is the visionary founder of House of Tara, Nigeria’s leading make-up and beauty brand, which she established in 1998. Her empire encompasses beauty, training, and media, empowering women through entrepreneurship and self-expression. A trailblazing innovator, she helped pioneer Nigeria’s beauty industry and has nurtured generations of beauty professionals across Africa.
In addition, Tara leads SEEP Africa, a non-profit initiative launched to support startups and small businesses across the continent through grants, mentorship, and capacity-building. A staunch advocate for women’s economic empowerment, her mentorship has helped hundreds of young entrepreneurs gain access to capital and networks, enabling them to launch and scale their ventures.
Her annual MakeUp.GHA conference, launched in 2009, remains one of the largest platforms for African beauty influencers, artists, and entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow—solidifying her role as both a cultural and business pioneer.
Olu of Warri
Why ROI Matters
The Royal Order of Iwere recognizes distinguished service to the Warri Kingdom and its people. Being inducted into the ROI is a statement that the recipient’s values align with the kingdom’s enduring legacy of leadership, excellence, and community upliftment.
For Tara, this recognition comes from her home ground—where her roots run deep and her impact has always been felt. It marks a new chapter in her storied journey, where corporate success meets cultural validation and personal honor.
A Momentous Day for Warri, A Triumph for Nigeria
Tomorrow’s ceremony is about more than symbolism or pageantry. It’s about a daughter of Warri, lauded by her own people, whose accomplishments—spanning beauty, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy—serve as a beacon for what Nigerian women can achieve.
In her words, “recognition from home” means everything, and this honor emphasizes that the greatest applause often comes from the hearts we’ve touched most.
