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Tag: Olu of Warri

  • Ayiri’s Ologbotsere title at risk as Olu of Warri wields the axe, dissolves traditional council, committees

    Ayiri’s Ologbotsere title at risk as Olu of Warri wields the axe, dissolves traditional council, committees

    All traditional council, committees and sub-committees across the Warri Kingdom have been dissolved by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.

    The dissolution is contained in memo dated today (September 1) “under the hand and seal of the Olu of Warri”.

    The development is coming 10 days after Ogiame’s coronation as the 21st Olu in Ode-Itsekiri, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

    The statement cited Section 25 of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Law Capt. 2, Law of Delta State of Nigeria, 2008, to back the decision of the monarch.

    It added that a revalidation and confirmation exercise will commence tomorrow.

    It reads: “I, Ogiame Atuwatse III, hereby, announce, for the information of the general public, the Delta State government and particularly, the traditional rulers and chiefs committees, the dissolution of all traditional councils, committees, sub-committees and the scheduled exercise of revalidation/confirmation effective from the 2nd day of September, 2021.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the Warri Council of Chiefs, the Olu Advisory Council (Ojoye Ojisan), the Olu-in-Council, all standing ad hoc and sub-committees are dissolved forthwith; the mandatory revalidation/confirmation of Chieftaincy titles shall commence on the 2nd day of September, 2021.

    “The timetable for the revalidation and confirmation exercise shall be made available at the Palace Secretariat from the 1st day of September, 2021 and the process of registration of all chieftaincy titles with the prescribed authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 25 of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Law (supra) shall follow immediately after the revalidation and confirmation exercise,” the notice stated.

    Two palace chiefs confirmed the development under anonymity. They said “it is the tradition of the kingdom”.

  • Olu of Warri Coronation: I’ve seen three Olus, I don’t want to see fourth – Obasanjo

    Olu of Warri Coronation: I’ve seen three Olus, I don’t want to see fourth – Obasanjo

    …as Obasanjo, Okowa, task Olu of Warri on nation building

    Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday said he has been fortunate to see three Olus of Warri and prays not to see the fourth one.

    This is just as both Obasanjo and the Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa called on the new Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, to work for the unity of his kingdom and contribute to nation building.

    Obasanjo spoke at the thanksgiving service to mark the coronation of the monarch as the 21st Olu of Warri at the Palace Ground, Aghofen, Warri.

    The former President prayed for the new monarch saying that his reign would be long, peaceful, adding that his reign would bring unity and prosperity to Itsekiri land and contribute to development, unity and prosperity of Nigeria.

    He said the monarch had a responsibility and duty to perform the role which God had given to him and urged him to work for the unity of the kingdom and the nation.

    “I am one of the happiest on your installation because God has specially favoured me to see three Olus and I don’t pray to see a fourth one.

    “I want to emphasise that the position you occupy today is given to you by God but with your own people surrounding you and you must always remember that.

    “If God has given you a role to perform you will be offending God if you fail to perform that task,” he said.

    He said the title of Majesty carried along with it a lot of responsibilities, adding that he was convinced the monarch had started well and would lead the Itsekiri people to a new dawn.

    He urged the monarch not to shun the experience and the advice of elders and urged him to make use of experienced people around him.

    “Be very close to God in whatever situation you may find yourself and God will surely make a way for you,” Obasanjo stated.

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in his remark, congratulated the new Olu on his successful coronation describing him as a man of peace and urged him to work for the unity of the Iwere nation.

    “I congratulate you because I know that you are a man of peace and I know that the Lord God has chosen you to ascend the throne at this time.

    “It is a time for healing and a time for your Majesty to ensure that the kingdom comes together.

    “I know that some people can be very stubborn but I urge you to extend the olive branch to them and I know that it will be well with the Itsekiri people.

    “You have a lot of work to do not just in Itsekiri nation but in the entire nation,” the governor stated.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Delta we congratulate you and the Itsekiri people on your successful coronation.

    “We know that your reign will truly bring peace and development and I believe the Lord God has prepared you for a time like this and may the presence of God be with you on this throne,” Okowa prayed.

    Guest Speaker Apostle Tomi Arayomi ,said God ordained the King to rule at this time, adding that God was willing to partner with people who were willing to partner with the spirit of God.

    He said God would never move unless there is a man or woman who is willing to surrender to God for the use of His kingdom

    “God is looking for people to use to advance the kingdom, discipleship and nation building and I urge you to surrender the throne to God and He will bless your throne and the Warri kingdom,” the cleric said.

    Also speaking, former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, said God never gives a man an assignment he never prepared him for and charged the monarch to ensure unity of the Iwere nation.

    Deputy Governor of the state, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, former Governors James Ibori, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, and Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, attended the thanksgiving service.

    Others include State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Kingsley Esiso, Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah, Publisher of Thisday and Arise Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Otunba Oyewole Fasawe, among others.

  • Photo of Obasanjo kneeling before Olu of Warri sparks reactions [PHOTO ATTACHED]

    Photo of Obasanjo kneeling before Olu of Warri sparks reactions [PHOTO ATTACHED]

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo visited newly crowned Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III at his palace on Sunday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Obasanjo, who was captured kneeling before the Olu of Warri, visited the Olu’s palace following his Saturday’s coronation.

    The photo of the former president kneeling before the Olu of Warri has sparked diverse reactions on social media.

    “His oil well is in Warri na. What do you expect? Oga is protecting his business,” one Facebook user that goes by the name, Mazi Nwachinemelu stated.

    Another Facebook user, Fabian Akaeze stated “This is symbolic from [former] President Obasanjo! A fascinating attempt to strengthen Nigeria”.

    “But if [it] is a pastor kneeling for his mentor, mouths go open wide.. quotations go back it up. This one is even elder, which shows something, the younger even bow his head to show respect too,” Queeneth C Ben stated on Facebook.

    See photo below:

    Photo of Obasanjo kneeling before Olu of Warri sparks reactions [PHOTO ATTACHED]
    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo knees before newly crowned Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III
  • Olu of Warri reverses ancestral curse placed on Nigeria by his grandfather, prays for healing, forgiveness

    Olu of Warri reverses ancestral curse placed on Nigeria by his grandfather, prays for healing, forgiveness

    The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has reversed an ancestral curse placed on Nigeria by his grandfather, Olu Erejuwa II, as a result of the injustice meted out to him.

    He made the reversal in his first proclamation on Saturday during his coronation as the 21st ruler of the Warri Kingdom in Delta State.

    “As the spiritual, cultural, political, and traditional ruler of this land, I, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri, the first son of Olu Atuwatse II, the grandson of and direct descendant of Olu Erediuwa II who was offended on this throne, hereby, reverse the curse placed over this land,” the traditional ruler declared.

    “In its (the curse’s) place, I release forgiveness and healing to the Federal Government of Nigeria whose might was used to propagate that offence, and I decree unprecedented and an uncommon peace, prosperity, progress, development upon this land.”

    Born as Wilson Gbesimi Emiko, Ogiame Erejuwa II was the paramount leader of the Itsekiri who was Olu of Warri from 1951 to 1964, and from 1966 to 1986.

    Although he did not talk about what really transpired, Atuwatse III explained that the late Olu of Warri was so pained that he visited late Akenzua II who was Oba of Benin between 1933 and 1978 to recount his ordeal.

    In a reaction, both traditional leaders were said to have placed a curse on the land and the issue has yet to be revisited since then.

    According to Atuwatse III, it is not recorded that Erediuwa II reversed the curse, neither is it recorded that Akenzua II did the same.

    The new Olu, who said he is a firm believer in the intricate connection between the spiritual and the manifestation in the physical, informed those present at his coronation of the need to address the issue.

    “I bring down the government of heaven unto this land and I direct it to flow as a course that can neither be sabotaged, slowed, nor stopped,” he said in a prayer.

    “It goes out as a strong ripple effect emanating from this kingdom to the rest of the Niger Delta, to the rest of the Nigerian nation, and even to the African continent.”

  • [BREAKING] Olu Of Warri: Tshola Emiko Crowned Ogiame Atuwatse III

    [BREAKING] Olu Of Warri: Tshola Emiko Crowned Ogiame Atuwatse III

    The Ogiame Atuwatse III, formerly known as Omoba Tshola Emiko, has been crowned as the 21st Olu of Warri Kingdom.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that crowing follows a series of activities lined up for the coronation of the monarch who ascended the throne on Saturday.

    Such activities include colourful dance performances by various cultural groups and pleasant musical renditions from the Warri Royal Choir and Laz Ekwueme Orchestral, among others.

    Shortly after his arrival at the venue of the coronation, all sons of Itesekiri were asked to remove their hats.

    One of the high points of the event was the selection of a ceremonial sword by the Olu while being blindfolded among 20 others.

    But one of the 21 swords which bear the names of his 20 predecessors is usually left unnamed.

    According to the high chiefs in the kingdom, the monarch is expected to use the name of the predecessor he picks as his title throughout his reign as the 21st Olu.

    In the event where he picks the sword that has no name attached to it, the monarch is at liberty to announce a new title or pick that of any of the predecessors of his choice.

    Meanwhile, he performed three symbolic chores for the last time which included fetching water in a clay pot, splitting wood with an ax, and paddling a canoe.

    After he took the oath of office and adopted a title for his reign, the Olu of Warri was crowned by the Uwangue of Warri, Chief Gabriel Awala.

    This led to the change of his name from Omoba Tsola Emiko to Ogiame Atuwatse III.

    President Muhammadu Buhari was represented by the Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, whose mother hails from the Warri Kingdom.

    The coronation of the new Olu of Warri also enjoyed the presence of many dignitaries from various parts of the country, including political leaders and traditional rulers.

    Political leaders present are Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu; Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase; and former Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, among others.

  • Photos: Delta hosts Osinbajo, Omo-Agege, Keyamo, other big wigs for Olu of Warri’s coronation

    Photos: Delta hosts Osinbajo, Omo-Agege, Keyamo, other big wigs for Olu of Warri’s coronation

    Ode-Itsekiri in Warri South LGA of Delta State is currently playing host to who is who in Nigeria’s sociopolitical landscape for the coronation ceremony of Prince Tsola Emiko as the 21th Olu of Warri.

    Among top dignitaries currently seated at the venue of the ceremony include the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Chief Festus Keyamo, who is representing the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State.

    Also present are top traditional rulers across the country led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ọjájá II, former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, NFF President, Mr Amaju Pinnick and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase.

    Omoba Tsola Emiko has alsready completed all coronation rites waiting for his official coronation as 21th Olu of Warri.

  • Oba of Benin opens up on coronation of new Olu of Warri

    Oba of Benin opens up on coronation of new Olu of Warri

    The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has enjoined Itsekiri king makers to strictly adhere to their tradition and customs during the coronation of the new Olu of Warri, Tsola Emiko.

    He spoke late Thursday when the Uwangue of Warri, Chief Gabriel Awala, led a delegation to his palace in Benin to formally inform him of the coronation of the new Olu, scheduled for Saturday.

    Oba Ewuare II said that the adequate observance of ancient traditions and customs of the land would preserve the cultural heritage of the Itsekiri nation.

    He assured the delegation of his support for the Olu-designate, insisting that the “cultural and traditional ties between Warri and Benin kingdoms would be strengthened”.

    The Benin monarch promised that a high-powered delegation would be sent from his palace to the coronation of the new Olu.

    Earlier, Awala informed the Benin monarch that they had come to formally inform him of the crowning of the new Olu.

    He described the relationship between Warri and Benin as cordial and that the Benin monarch would continue to be a father to all.

    History has it that it was a prince from the Benin palace that became the first Olu of Warri.

  • Delta CP deploys 1000 police for coronation of Olu of Warri

    Delta CP deploys 1000 police for coronation of Olu of Warri

    The Police Command in Delta has deployed 1000 personnel to ensure maximum security in the state ahead of the Aug.21 coronation of the new Olu of Warri, Omoba Emiko.

    The deployment of the officers was contained in a statement issued in Warri on Wednesday by the acting Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Bright Edafe.

    The statement said the Commissioner of Police in Delta, CP Ari Ali, had directed the personnel to ensure water-tight security before, during and after the ceremony.

    “Two bomb squads have been deployed to report 48 hours before the coronation day to sweep the venue and ensure it is completely rendered safe.

    “Two units of mobile police personnel and conventional police officers which included traffic personnel have also been deployed to beef up security.

    “Therefore, mischief makers should steer clear as the command is more than ready to deal decisively with anybody who may try to cause any form of mischief during the coronation.

    “All that is needed to be done to achieve a hitch-free ceremony has been put in place,” the statement said.

    It said the commissioner had directed the Area Commander, Warri, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Operations Officers of the command to ensure thorough supervision of the personnel.

  • Olu of Warri: Missing crown can’t stop coronation, says prince

    Olu of Warri: Missing crown can’t stop coronation, says prince

    Uncle to the Olu of Warri-Designate Prince Yemi Emiko has allayed fears over the coronation of Prince Tsola Emiko on Saturday following the widely reported missing crown.

    Emiko, who is chairman of coronation media and publicity committee, said the missing crown will not stop the exercise.

    He said: “We have several crowns in the palace, including the original beaded crowns which Ginuwa I came from Benin with, and which we used to crown our kings up until 1625 when Atuwatse I came from Portugal with the diamond studded silver crowns.

    “We also have a golden crown, and so on. The kingmakers will decide which of these several crowns to use for the forthcoming coronation.”

  • Police declare two Itsekiri princes wanted as Olu of Warri crown goes missing

    Police declare two Itsekiri princes wanted as Olu of Warri crown goes missing

    The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 5, Benin, has declared two sons of the immediate past Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli Godfrey Emiko, wanted in connection with the missing royal crown of Itsekiri Kingdom

    According to reports, the two princes, Prince Onyowoli Emiko and Prince Omatsuli Emiko, were declared wanted on the allegation that they broke into the private apartment of the Olu of Warri, where they allegedly stole the ancient crown.

    The duo were declared “by the Nigeria Police Force Interpol Section, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin City” with a Warrants of Arrest issued against them by a Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State.

    Prince Oyowoli Emiko, in the information declaring him wanted, is said to be wanted “for the offence of breaking into the secret apartment of the HRM Olu of Warri and stealing the Royal Crown”. He is said to be “a student, Itsekiri by tribe, Aged 30 years, 5.2ft of height”, among other physical identikits.

    His younger brother, the 27-year old Oamtsuli Emiko, 5.6ft in height and also a student, is wanted for the same of the offence of breaking and stealing.

    The police bulletins detailing their declaration as wanted persons were issued by the AIG, Zone ‘5’ Benin City on the orders of the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali.

    The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5 Command of the Nigeria Police with headquarters in Benin City, Edo State, on Friday quizzed the suspended traditional Prime Minister of the Warri Kingdom in Delta State, Chief Ayiri Emami, over the alleged invasion of the palace of the Olu of Warri.

    It would be recalled that following the transition of the immediate past Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, in December 2020, the palace was reportedly invaded and the 400-year-old crown and symbol of the Itsekiri monarchy were declared missing.

    Ogiame’s passage had created a succession tussle in the kingdom, until Prince Tsola Emiko, the son of Olu Atuwatse, was eventually chosen as the Olu-elect.

    The AIG Zone 5, had in a letter of invitation dated Wednesday 21st, April 2021, invited the suspended Ologbosere of Warri, Chief Ayiri Emami, for questioning over the kingship crisis in the Warri kingdom especially on the stolen Royal crow, which had resulted in high-level tension in the town.

    The letter, entitled: “Police Invitation Letter. Re: case of burglary, stealing, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace”, addressed to Emami,, also led to the interrogation another chief, Macgrey Richmond, for over two hours at the AIG zonal headquarters

    Emami, however, said that he knew nothing about the invasion of the palace.

    “I was invited based on the incident in Warri and it happens to be the invasion of the Olu’s palace. I told them I knew nothing about that because I was not in town when that incident happened.

    “It is about that laid-down procedure, which is one of the reasons I am here and I have told the police. The police have questioned me on that issue, what led to the invasion; I have answered that and other issues I can’t divulge.

    “I did not sign any undertaking, all they asked was who invaded the palace and that certain things were missing in the palace, they wanted to know the whereabouts of those things and I told them what I knew”, Emami had told journalists after his session with the police.