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Tag: Olu of Warri

  • Gov. Okowa congratulates Olu of Warri at 38

    Gov. Okowa congratulates Olu of Warri at 38

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has congratulated the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, on his 38th birth anniversary.

    The governor’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba on Saturday.

    The governor described the monarch as “one of the foremost respected traditional rulers and man of peace with discerning leadership qualities”.

    He said that the revered monarch was a leading light, a role model and eminent custodian of the culture and traditions of the Iwere people.

    Okowa lauded Atuwatse III for his contribution to peace and growth of Warri Kingdom and the state since he assumed the ancient throne of his forebears.

    “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate you, Your Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, Olu of Warri Kingdom, on the occasion of your 38th birth anniversary.

    “As a government, we have enjoyed your invaluable support in many aspects and it is my belief that you will continue to make your domain a model of peace and unity.

    “In spite of initial hitches, Warri Kingdom has, under your royal watch, witnessed phenomenal transformation in terms of peace and development.

    “As a revered traditional ruler in our state and country, you have remained a peace builder, a beacon of light and a symbol of humility and excellence in leadership.

    “The government appreciates your royal carriage and approach to issues and I thank you immensely for your contributions towards the attainment of the Stronger Delta vision of our administration,” Okowa said.

    He prayed to God to bless the monarch with longer life and wisdom to enable him to continue with his service to the kingdom, state and humanity.

  • Missing Olu Crown: Untold story of how court shred petitions of Warri Council of Chiefs

    Missing Olu Crown: Untold story of how court shred petitions of Warri Council of Chiefs

    …as counsels, team members display in open court

    …case adjourned to April 20, 2022

    The untold story of how petition sent by Warri Council of Chiefs was shreded has been revealed last Wednesday at the Warri Magistrate court in the case between the Commissioner of Police versus Ayirimi Emami over the alleged missing crown of the ancient and pristine Warri Kingdom, as counsels to the parties and their team members played the lead, supporting lead and roles in the open court in what could be described as dancing naked in public.

    The drama unfolded as Chief Justice of Delta State and the presiding Magistrate in the suit, His Worship, Ejiro H. Diejomaoh (Mrs) respectively shredded the application by one Robinson Ariyo for the transfer of the case to another court and the petition by the Warri Council of Chiefs signed by its Secretary, Chief Eugene Ikomi, requesting His Worship to hands off the case and have it continued by another Magistrate (see letters attached).

    It was reliably gathered that when the court resumed proceedings at exactly 9:12 am in the packed courtroom, not many people expected the drama that was to come shortly afterwards, even as counsels introduced themselves. Prof. Abiodun Amuda-Kannike, SAN announced his appearance as head of the prosecuting team having been granted the fiat by the Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Isaiah Bozimo, to prosecute the matter on behalf of the State.

    Appearing with him were Jolone Ikomi, Esq and two others. Veteran lawyer of not less than four decades of legal practice and former Attorney-General of Delta State and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Victor Otomiewo announced his appearance for Chief Emami (the defendant). In his team were Chief Emmanuel Uti, Esq, Presly Okojie, Esq and 5 other counsels.

    Immediately he took the floor, Prof. Amuda-Kannike, SAN presented a letter from the Warri Council of Chiefs (WCC) and urged His Worship to consider it and indeed take a definite position before the continuation of the trial.

    He also informed the court that they have two pending motions already filled in court. However, Chief Otomiewo objected in very strong terms to the consideration of the said letter from WCC by the court.

    According to him, the prosecuting team was not bold enough to serve him a copy of the letter in tandem with the ethics of the legal profession.

    He said he was ready to go on with the case and urged the prosecution to call its PW1 to the witness box for the continuation of trial and save the time of the court and that of the defendant.

    However this statement was strongly objected to by Prof. Amuda-Kannike, SAN and this led to a strong exchange of words between him and Chief Otomiewo, creating room for junior counsels in both parties joining in what had degenerated into what could best be described as a poorly stage-managed reality television show or the worst ever Nollywood film. The loudest of the supporting lead roles was Robinson Ariyo, who was not even in the prosecution team and His Worship had to seriously call him to order.

    When the show of shame continued and His Worship could no longer tolerate it, she announced abruptly: “This court shall rise” and she retired into her chamber, leaving all hell to let loose between the two teams with the side of the prosecuting team doing well in the roles of antagonists with the lead actor on that side, Prof. Amuda-Kannike churning out all the stunts in his arsenal, while the defendant’s team maintained the mien and sagacity of protagonists with the lead actor on that side, Chief Otomiewo occasionally poking at the lead antagonists in a manner that unsuspecting attendees at the sitting would swear on his behalf that he did nothing at such points to warrant reactions of the antagonists.

    After the exchange of hot words His Worship sent for lead actors of the two teams, Prof. Amuda-Kannike, SAN and Chief Otomiewo for a chat in the chamber of His Worship.

    As the lead protagonist and lead antagonist exited the courtroom to meet His Worship, uneasy calm returned among the other gladiators backstage (courtroom) albeit with occasional subdued unsavoury comments from both sides.

    Then came some more general atmosphere of sanity when the duo of remorseful looking Prof. Amuda-Kannike, SAN and Chief Otomiewo came back to the courtroom from His Worship’s chamber, to the seeming joy of observers.

    When His Worship returned to the courtroom and resumed her seat at about 10 am, it was clear to all that she was no longer going to take further distractions from anyone.

    Chief Otomiewo was the first to take the floor and he restated the ground of his anger, even as he emphasised that the business of the day was for the prosecution to continue with the testimony of PW1 and not the consideration of some kind of strange letter from a body not a party to the suit or properly before the honourable court.

    On his part, Prof. Amuda-Kannike, SAN said he owed Chief Otomiewo “no duty to serve him the letter which was filed in the court.”

    According to him, Chief Otomiewo “should have simply demanded access to a copy of the letter from His Lordship or me on friendship basis but not as of right and I would oblige him. He should not have described the letter as spurious,” even as he urged His Lordship to “consider the letter first to avoid speculations before, during and after the case is determined,” stressing that another Lordship in another court should be allowed to handle the matter.

    “It is better to be cautious. We also have motions to amend the charge and for accelerated hearing of the matter. This is why the IPO is also here in court,” Prof. Amuda-Kannike, SAN added.

    In his response, Chief Otomiewo said: “All the prosecution is doing is to put allegations before the court and scandalize the court so that Her Worship can hands off the matter.

    They started with a frivolous petition to the Honourable Chief Justice of Delta State but failed woefully to achieve their aim. Now they have written another letter to His Worship, laced with unsubstituted allegations.

    The defendant Ayirimi Emami, has the right to a fair hearing and speedy trial. He has been arraigned for 9 months now. The extant laws say speedy trial must be ensured 180 days after arraignment. The charge sheet does not have the Warri Council of Chiefs on it. We are ready to go on with this case. If they are not ready because they know that their case is dead on arrival, I will be making an application for dismissal.”

    Before ruling on the matter, Her Worship apologised to all the Law Students in attendance at the day’s proceedings over what happened in the open court earlier, which she described as “Nollywood and Africa magic.”

    According to His Worship, “all that just happened as witnessed by you all is not the ethics of the profession and should not be emulated by you.”

    Her Worship immediately thereafter turned to Prof. Amuda-Kannike, SAN and reminded him of the earlier petition to the Honourable Chief Justice of Delta State (CJ) which wanted the matter to be transferred from her court to another court with the outcome seeing the CJ directing her to continue conducting the case.

    “I got the WCC letter yesterday (March 15, 2022). The charge before me is burglary. To me, the content of the letter is personal. It is outside the face of this court, particularly the originators of the letter.

    “The letter is frivolous and an attempt to injure my personality. I assume that a lawyer wrote this letter for the Warri Council of Chiefs (WCC) because a lawyer served it on this court and indeed requested an acknowledgement copy to show that I received it.

    ‘The nominal complainants (WCC) have no right to drag this court negatively. I am working under the directive of the Honourable CJ of Delta State.

    “I don’t know the defendant and have never met him until his arraignment here in this open court. This is clear contempt. This is why I wonder if the learned Silk read this letter before bringing it here and speaking to it. If the prosecution has yet another issue, please go back to the CJ again and complain,” Her Worship ruled.

    At this point, Prof. Amuda-Kannike, SAN moved the two motions filed earlier by him in the court which according to him have been duly served. Responding, Chief Otomiewo said: “I am not opposed to it provided that the prosecution after that will cause its witness to continue with the case.” Thereafter, both motions were read to Ayirimi Emami, the to which he pleaded not guilty to the first one on the three-count charge.

    Chief Otomiewo told the court that the defendant was already on bail and has not defaulted in any way. Said he: “We are ready to go on with the matter and start from where the prosecution stopped since January 2022 and nothing done since then till date.

    “However, I am opposed to the second motion on accelerated hearing because the action of the prosecution thus far does not conform with extant laws. The prosecution should call up the PW1 to continue from where he stopped since January 2022,” Otomiewo stated.

    His Worship thereafter adjourned the matter to April 20, 2022, for continuation.

    Members of the Warri Council of Chiefs who attended the days sitting were Chiefs Gabriel Awala, Roland Oritsejafor and Brown Mene.

  • Olu of Warri missing crown: Court to decide Ayiri’s fate April 20

    Olu of Warri missing crown: Court to decide Ayiri’s fate April 20

    Dethroned Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Ayiri will know his fate on April 20 as Magistrate Court sitting in Warri, Delta State has adjourned the Olu of Warri alleged missing crown case.

    The case with suit number: No.MW/178/C/2021, Commissioner of Police Vs. Chief Ayiri Emami, the Ologbotsere of Warri was brought following alleged theft of a gold crown at the Olu’s palace last year.

    At the resumed hearing of the case, Jolone Ikomi (esq) and F.J Atie (esq) appeared for the prosecution having been granted FIAT to prosecute on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police.

    Chief Victor E. Otomiewo appeared as lead defence counsel with Chief Emmanuel Uti, P. Okogie, E. F, Akporuvweku, O. Edowe, E. S. O., Ogholaja and M. K. Ighomrore appearing as co-defence counsels.

    The suit was brought sequel to a petition from the palace of the Olu of Warri against Chief Ayiri Emami, the Ologbotsere

    Counsel to the applicant/claimant, had on Monday urged the court to adjourn the case to enable the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) that was absent in court to appear the next hearing date.

    He said that the IPO was detailed from the AIG’s office Benin and could not make it to court on time thus prompting the application for stand down till 12 noon and subsequent adjournment to Wednesday 16/3/2022 for continuation of the prosecution’s case.

    The IPO had in January opened the prosecution’s case which had suffered several adjournment.

    At the resumed hearing on the prosecution case on Wednesday, the Applicant/Claimant counsel, Ikomi told the court that the palace of Olu of Warri, petitioned the Chief Justice of the state for the transfer of the case from the court on ground of insecurity and alleged closeness of the magistrate to the defendant.

    The petition from the palace alleged that the magistrate should recuse herself from the case alleging link with Ayiri.

    In a counter motion, the lead defence counsel, Otomiewo opposed to the claims saying the vicinity of the court was best suitable for the case as it is surrounded by several security formations.

    The court therefore refused the application for transfer of the case to another court.

    After much debate, the magistrate also ruled out the petition that the court premises is secure for the case.
    The court subsequently adjourned the case to April 20 for continuation of hearing.

  • We are not happy – Delta monarch, Ovie of Uvwie tells Osinbajo

    We are not happy – Delta monarch, Ovie of Uvwie tells Osinbajo

    The Ovie of Uvwie, Dr Emmanuel Sideso (Abe I) has used the opportunity of the visit of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to his palace to express displeasure over the issue of constitutional role for the traditional rulers that was not considered by the National Assembly.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Vice President Osinbajo was in Delta State for the thanksgiving Mass of late Chief Patrick Ideh, a renowned legal practitioner and nationalist who passed away at the age of 95.

    The thanksgiving Mass was held at the Mother of The Redeemer Catholic Church, Effurun, Warri.

    After the Mass, the vice president, accompanied by Delta Deputy Governor, Kingsley Otuaro, paid courtesy visits to the palaces of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, and Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.

    Receiving the vice president in his palace, Sideso thanked Osinbajo for his respect for traditional rulers.

    He, however, said that traditional rulers in the country are not happy that the issue of constitutional role for the traditional rulers was not considered by the National Assembly.

    “You have always been there for us; I am the Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Summit in Abuja.

    “The last summit we held, you represented the president; you physically came and stayed with us throughout the summit.

    “On behalf of the traditional rulers in the whole country, we are appealing to you and the president to look at this again; I don’t think it is too late to look at it and perhaps call us and advice us on why it cannot be done at the moment.

    “We are the grassroots people; and if there is any problem, you people come to us and seek our prayers because you are our children,’’ he said.

    He urged the vice president to intervene in the quest for a constitutional role for the traditional institution.

    In his response, Osinbajo said he was in the kingdom to honour late Chief Ideh who is an illustrious son.

    The vice president said he is hopeful that the National Assembly would eventually attend to the question of constitutional role for traditional rulers.

    “But I think that there is a genuine desire by traditional rulers to be more intricately involved; to be more directly involved in governance and government in Nigeria.

    “And just going by the track record that we see even in this kingdom, it is very evident that your role has been instrumental in keeping the peace here.

    “So, I think traditional rulership is so important in keeping law and order and in maintaining peace in all of our communities.’’

    At the palace of Olu of Warri, Osinbajo congratulated Atuwatse for ascending to the throne of his fathers.

    He said the traditional institution has a vital role to play in addressing the security challenges in the country.

    “As you know, coming into office, we had on top of our agenda, as the president stated, the economy, security, governance, and corruption.

    “The role of the traditional council, the traditional rulership in our country is critical to security; absolutely critical and I am happy that this is something that you also, not only recognises, but accept as a major function of the traditional rulership.’’

    Osinbajo said that he and the deputy governor had worked extensively in some of the conflicts in oil producing communities that had led to a decline in oil production.

    He said that they were able to achieve results by going round to speak to various communities.

    “We want to see that security challenges; oil theft and some of what we are seeing in the Delta and in many of our oil producing communities are swiftly brought to an end,’’ he said.

    Atuwatse had earlier in his welcome remarks, said that Osinbajo’s visit was divine as it coincided with the end of the week the kingdom visited Itsekiri communities in other parts of Nigeria, including Ogun and Kogi States.

    According to him, there is an affinity between Itsekiri people and Osinbajo as the vice president is their in-law through his marriage to late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s granddaughter.

    In response to the vice president’s remarks, Atuwase said that traditional rulers were committed to ensuring security and unhindered oil production.

    “I am very happy that our deputy governor is here and will bear witness to our commitment to not only security in this axis but in ensuring that the oil production here does not dwindle, especially now with global events – oil is now approaching US$120 per barrel.

    “And Nigeria has to, as much as it can, benefit from that development; not quite long ago, we did something unprecedented.

    “Traditional rulers are here to ensure that they are bridge builders between government and the people.

    “We have committed ourselves to ensuring that where we had a hitch in Ogidigben — where the production was shut down, we have committed ourselves to making sure that not only are things restored but the International Oil Companies (IOCs) commitment to the community, which as the cause of the breakdown, is finally resolved.’’

    He said he is willing to collaborate with the Federal Government in ensuring lasting peace and transforming the Niger-Delta region.

    “Please, let the president know that once there is anything that resembles a security situation, he can call on us and he has our full cooperation,’’ Atuwatse said.

  • Singing, dancing as Osinbajo visits Olu of Warri, Ovie of Uvwie [VIDEO]

    Singing, dancing as Osinbajo visits Olu of Warri, Ovie of Uvwie [VIDEO]

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday visited the Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III, and the Ovie of Uvwie, HRM Dr Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Osinbajo was in Delta State for a thanksgiving service to celebrate the life of Chief Patrick Emurode Sito Ideh and visited the monarchs to pay homage.

    Chief Ideh died 22 December 2021 and was buried 1 January 2022. However, sons and daughters of Urhobo Kingdom held the thanksgiving mass at the Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church, Effurun in honour of Pa Ideh.

    TNG reports Osinbajo was welcomed with singing and dancing at the palace of the Olu of Warri.

  • Olu of Warri lauds Yahaya Bello for his developmental efforts

    Olu of Warri lauds Yahaya Bello for his developmental efforts

    The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III on Thursday lauded Gov. Yahaya Bello’s progressive achievements in Kogi.

    The traditional ruler gave the commendation when he visited Gov. Bello in the Government house ahead of the coronation and presentation of the Staff of Office to the

    The Olu specifically commended Bello for the visible development projects which he said he saw on his way to the state.

    “Visiting the state for the first time was more of a homecoming for me, where part of the origin of the Itsekiri Kingdom could be traced to.

    “The significance of the Kogi as a confluence state where the two great rivers, Benue and Niger meet will bring in more blessings and prosperity to the state.

    “Everybody knows that I am the King of waters. And since here is where the two Rivers meet here, I use my authority, my great office to declare that Kogi is a prosperous state, it is a blessed state, it is a productive state.

    “And the blessings that God intends to emanate from here will grow across the nations, and we release that today,” he said.

    The Olu thanked the people of Kogi for their hospitality.

    Responding Bello thanked the traditional ruler for the visit and for accepting the invitation to attend the coronation of the Attah of Igala.

    Bello also congratulated Olu on his installation.

    “Your coronation as the Olu of Warri was a great development for the current generation to see young people vested with such responsibilities and powers.

    “When the kingmakers chose you to ascend the throne of your ancestors, my hope, my dreams, my aspirations, my desire, my wish for this country was elated.

    “And I know that this generation at this time is going to be blessed. They could not have been a better selection than yourself.

    “Let me use this opportunity to congratulate you, to congratulate the people of Delta and the Kingdom at large to have a monarch of my own generation as a young person.

    “When you were talking, I began to feel the blessing already because I know the words of our ancestors are coming forth.

    “Every prayer of our ancestors coming through you from the heavens shall be accepted by each and every one of us.

    “I am going to work closely with you to ensure that your own reign in our own time is a blessing to our generation and nation at large,” Bello said.

  • Buhari hosts Olu of Warri, pledges equity, fairness to Itsekiris

    Buhari hosts Olu of Warri, pledges equity, fairness to Itsekiris

    President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged a fair deal to the Itsekiri people of Delta, while also extolling the patriotism of the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Tsola Emiko, Ogiame Atuwatse III.

    The president spoke at State House in Abuja on Wednesday, when he received the traditional ruler and some of his chiefs.

    He said: “I’m grateful for your visit, and impressed by your patriotism. I’ve taken note of your requests, and will work on them as soon as politically possible.’’

    The Olu of Warri said the visit was to primarily thank the president for sending a high-powered delegation to his coronation as the 21st monarch of the Kingdom, “and for your kind felicitation, goodwill and solidarity.”

    He pledged the loyalty of Itsekiri people to “one united Nigeria, as we support your government’s aspiration to provide security and economic prosperity to all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, creed or religion.”

    While describing the president as “a dogged patriot and fervent believer in Project Nigeria,” the Olu drew attention to what he called “some burning issues that are dear to our hearts”.

    The issues included the under-utilisation of the four ports in Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu, all in Delta, reconstitution of the NDDC Board, immortalising the first Finance Minister of the country, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, and resuscitation of the Ogidigben EPZ Project, which has reportedly been abandoned.

    On the NDDC Board, he said he believed the president would soon reconstitute it, “as an interested party, we genuinely want a better deal for us in the Niger Delta, as we believe charity begins at home.

    “By this, we mean that we Niger Deltans must be ready to put the betterment of our people first in all we do. Putting our people first is the only way to make our lives better.”

    On the entourage of the Olu of Warri were Chiefs Brown Mene, Oma Eyewuoma, Thomas Ereyitomi, Daniel Reyeju, Dere Awosika and Mr Julius Rone.

  • Video/Photos: Watch moment Olu of Warri visits Orodje of Okpe Kingdom

    Video/Photos: Watch moment Olu of Warri visits Orodje of Okpe Kingdom

    Ogiame, Atuwatse III, Olu of Warri on Friday paid a familiarisation visit to Orhue1, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom in Delta State.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports the Orodje and his Chiefs- in -Council received the Olu of Warri in his place as depicted in a video and pictures where the cultural affinities of both kingdoms were well captured.

    Watch video below:

     

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  • Olu of Warri visits Ghanaian President [PHOTOS]

    Olu of Warri visits Ghanaian President [PHOTOS]

    The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, together with his wife, Her Highness Olori Atuwatse III, have jetted to Ghana, for a short break.

    The Olu with his queen took the opportunity to visit and spend time with the Ghanian President.

    They were hosted to a private reception by the Ghanian President, Nana Akufo-Addo at the Presidential Villa, Accra Ghana, on Thursday December 30th 2021.

    See photos below:

    PHOTOS: Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, and Her Highness Olori Atuwatse III was hosted to a private…

    Posted by Hon Mary Ikpoto on Friday, 31 December 2021

  • Missing Olu of Warri Crown: Again, Ayiri exonerates self, begs Itsekiris to come home for Christmas festivities

    Missing Olu of Warri Crown: Again, Ayiri exonerates self, begs Itsekiris to come home for Christmas festivities

    Again, the dethroned Ologbotsere of Warri, Ayiri Emami, has exonerated himself from the missing of Olu of Warri allegedly stolen from the palace but pleaded with Itsekiris worldwide to come home for the Christmas festivities.

    The Warri based businessman who had been in court to challenge his suspension as Ologbotsere of Warri by a faction of the Ginuwa Ruling House and the processes that led to the emergence of Prince Tsola Emiko as Olu of Warri, said that the yuletide provides a unique opportunity for Itsekiri sons and daughters to bond together.

    Emami said ” as a young man raised in the ocean locked Ugborodo Community, Warri South – West Local Government Area, Delta State, i know the necessity of encouraging Iwere sons and daughters to frequently visit their aboriginal communities, invest in socio – economic structures and set up machineries for the sustainable infrastructural and political development of the communities”.

    “The orchestrated plot by a few Itsekiris to blackmail, intimidate me and tarnish my hard earned reputation, for reasons best known to them, will not deter me from advancing Itsekiri culture and tradition as well as firmly pursuing the rule of law, which Warri Kingdom is known and respected for, across the world.”

    ” It is ridiculous to press criminal charges against me for a purported missing royal crown of Warri Kingdom, when the identity of persons that invaded the Olu Palace Warri few months ago and laid siege there for two weeks, is known to the security agencies and members of the public, especially my fellow Itsekiris”.

    “Just like the legal proceedings I instituted regarding my purported suspension as Ologbotsere of Warri by a section of the Ginuwa Ruling House and the controversy surrounding the succession battle for the 21st Olu of Warri, I will go the full legal throttle to exonerate myself from the criminal charges leveled against me and ensure those responsible for the alleged stolen crown, face justice”.

    ” Everybody knows I know nothing about the crown. As a thoroughbred Itsekiri son with good knowledge of our rich history and culture , I know the implication of stealing a royal crown and I will never commit such a sacrilege”.