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Tag: Olu of Warri

  • Olu of Warri: Do not rubbish the throne – Ibori appeals to Itsekiri people

    Olu of Warri: Do not rubbish the throne – Ibori appeals to Itsekiri people

    Former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori has appealed to the people of Itsekiri not to rubbish the ancient and prestine throne of the Olu of Warri.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Ibori sent out the passionate appeal to the sharply divided Itsekiri people over the succession process to the coronation of the 21st Olu of Warri.

    The former Delta State Governor urged the Itsekiri people not to do anything that would further “rubbish and diminish the ancient and pristine Olu of Warri throne.”

    Ibori made the call on Friday at his Oghara, Delta State country home when the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Ayiri Emami honoured the invitation of the former Governor to discuss the way forward on the raging matter.

    Ibori, whose mother is Itsekiri from Abiugborodo in the Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, addressed the Ologbotsere and his entourage in Itsekiri language all through his admonition.

    According to the former Delta State Governor, who is popularly known as Odidigborigbo by his admirers, there is no alternative to peace and unity in the matter.

    “I plead with all, no matter the divide you belong in this matter to at this point apply the brakes. We should stop doing things that will escalate the already tense situation.

    “At moments like this, the best thing to ask, particularly by the elders who know the customs and tradition of the Itsekiri is: how do we normally do it? How do we do it?

    “Everybody involved must come to the table to discuss the matter and fashion a way forward in this very delicate and potentially embarrassing matter.

    “The Warri throne is highly respected nationally and internationally. We should not do anything to diminish it. We must not cut our nose to spite our face. Warri Kingdom is a pride of monarchy system in Nigeria and beyond. There must be a way around the current situation but certainly not to escalate it.

    “I am willing to be part of an unbiased mediatory and reconciliatory body to resolve this matter as soon as possible.

    “Despite the stage we are in, it is not too late to remedy the situation and reunite our people who are currently divided on the matter,” Ibori said.

    Emami had earlier in his presentation updated the former Governor on the matter and why he decided to go to court after waiting without taking any action for over three months.

    The embattled Ologbotsere lamented that all through the period his name was “being rubbished both in the traditional media and social media on a daily basis” simply because he “maintained that due process and due diligence vis-a-vis the extant laws guiding the succession to the Olu of Warri throne must be followed.”

    In the entourage of Ayiri were Chief Samuel Omamuli (the Uwaoyiboyami of Warri), and Pa William L. A. Anukun (the Secretary-General of Ologbotsere Descendants worldwide).

    Others are Pa Samuel B. O. Okorodudun, Barr. Clement Omotoye and Comrade Alex Eyengho (Spokesperson of Ologbotsere Descendants worldwide), and among others.

  • Ologbotsere of Warri: Ayiri vows to challenge suspension in court

    Ologbotsere of Warri: Ayiri vows to challenge suspension in court

    Chief Ayiri Emami will challenge his suspension as Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom in court, spokesman of the Ologbotsere Descendants worldwide, Mr Alex Eyengho has said.

    Mr Eyengho, who disclosed this on Friday while speaking with newsmen in Warri, said plans to challenge the suspension in court had already been concluded.

    According to Eyengho, Chief Emami was taking the decision to challenge the suspension after painstaking wide consultations with critical stakeholders on the matter both home and abroad.

    He further stated that the Ologbotsere’s prayers in court “shall be seamlessly simple, straightforward and from the point of extant laws”.

    Eyengho said: “I am sure that the general public must have noticed the dignified deafening silence of Ologbotsere Ayiri Emami since his purported suspension by a section of the Ginuwa I Ruling House.

    “This silence is certainly not a mark of weakness but an opportunity to give those involved enough time to retrace their steps, swallow their prides, apologise to him and the Itsekiri for their illegal action, in the overall interest of the Itsekiri and as the only sure way forward.

    “The Ologbotsere will simply be asking the court to interpret within the framework of the 1979 Edict as it concerns Warri Kingdom and other relevant extant laws whether the Ginuwa I Ruling House has the power whatsoever to suspend any or the least Chief of Warri Kingdom not to talk of the number one Chief in terms of hierarchy, the Ologbotsere of Warri.

    “He will also ask the court to determine whether the same Ginuwa I Ruling House has the power to empower the current Iyatsere of Warri and number two in the hierarchy, Chief Johnson Atserunleghe or any other Chief for that matter to perform any or all the functions of the Ologbotsere, while he is still alive, hale and hearty.

    “These are some of the basic questions Ologbotsere Ayiri Emami shall be asking the court for interpretations and definite pronouncements”.

    He went further to say: “May it also be put on record that we are not unaware of the new trend of hired armed thugs and hoodlums invading court sittings in Warri and chasing out judges, lawyers etc from court premises.

    “Because of the nature of this impending case, we are not ruling out the possibility of the same set of thugs storming the court in an even more violent manner when we appear.

    “It is then we shall know whether the police, DSS and other security agencies are all on AWOL (Absent Without Leave) to the detriment of law abiding citizens, particularly those whose only offense is seeking justice in the law court.

    “Specifically, may we seize this opportunity to call on the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to beef up security around the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayirimi Emami for obvious reasons.

    “We cannot afford to take chances or underestimate the extent to which those against extant laws can go in achieving their targets.

    “The Itsekiri are people known to follow the law at all times. We rely on the law and decided cases in all our internal and external issues. The Itsekiri have never been known to be part of illegality of any kind.

    “Therefore, we cannot afford to approbate and reprobate on this and other matters. This is the stand of the current Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayirimi Emami whose only crime was to err on the side of the law by advising ab initio that the extant law (1979 Edict) as it concerns the successor of the 20th Warri monarch, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, be followed, stricto senso.

    “However, we take solace in the fact that at the end of the day, the truth can never be buried in perpetuity and justice shall prevail in this matter”.

     

  • Olu of Warri throne: Ologbotsere descendants issue Iyatsere Atserunleghe 7 days ultimatum

    …sues for calm over invasion of court by suspected thugs

    The Ologbotsere Eyinmisanren Descendants of Warri Kingdom have issued a 7-day ultimatum to the Iyatsere of Warri, Chief Johnson Atserunleghe to withdraw his unguarded statement with an unreserved apology to the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom and Chairman of the Olu Advisory Council, Chief Ayirimi Emami in a video that has gone viral on the social media.

    The decision to issue the ultimatum was taken at a well-attended meeting of the Ologbotsere Descendants held in Warri on Sunday, June 20, 2021, even as the general public and the Itsekiri in particular were urged to remain calm over the invasion of the Delta State High Court 4 by suspected thugs during the hearing of a suit filed by Prince Bernard Emiko and Prince Oyowoli Emiko over the succession to the Olu of Warri throne.

    Briefing journalists shortly after the meeting, Spokesman of the Ologbotsere Eyinmisanren Descendants, Comrade Alex Eyengho stated that in the said video where Chief Atserunleghe was playing host to some of the suspected thugs that invaded the court, he told them that he was the one that went to the AIG’s office at the Police Zone 5, Benin to stop them from charging the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayirimi Emami to court over the alleged missing crown of Warri Kingdom.

    “This is the most flippant and irresponsible comment from a supposed Chief of Warri Kingdom. It is interesting to know that it is Chief Atserunleghe that now has the authority to decide whether the police should charge a case to court or not. It is for the reason of this very annoying and provocative comment that the Ologbotsere Eyinmisanren Descendants hereby give Chief Atserunleghe 7 days to also in a video post publicly withdraw his silly statement with an unreserved apology to the Ologbotsere of Warri, Chief Ayiri Emami and the entire Ologbotsere Eyinmisanren Descendants worldwide, failing which necessary actions shall be taken within the ambit of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Comrade Eyengho stated.

    On the issue of the invasion of the court by alleged thugs, Comrade Eyengho called for calm by all and sundry, adding that the law should be allowed to take its full course, particularly when some of the alleged thugs are known by their names and place of abode.

    “We join others to call on the appropriate law enforcement agencies to diligently carry out their duties in this matter with a view to bringing all the culprits to justice. This act is unacceptable, condemnable and barbaric. The Itsekiri are known to have maximum respect for law, order, due process and due diligence. It is most unItsekirilike for any one to carry out such act of desecration of the hallowed temple of justice and the abode of the last hope of the common man. The act is most preposterous and the perpetrators should not go unpunished by the laws of our country,” Comrade Eyengho further stated.

  • Final burial rites of late Olu of Warri commences

    Final burial rites of late Olu of Warri commences

    The final burial rites of the late Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, has commenced with a commendation and funeral service at the Aghofen, in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta.

    The ceremony which kicked-off on Friday, is expected to last for 14 days.

    Delivering a brief sermon during the service, Bishop Curtis Fianu of the Church of God Mission, Warri, stressed the need for everyone to make good use of their lifetime, stressing that the late Ikenwoli lived a meaningful life.

    The sermon was swiftly followed by prayer sessions for the immediate and extended family of Ikenwoli, the Itsekiri nation and Nigerians at large.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG gathered that the late traditional ruler passed on in December 2020, shortly after his fifth coronation anniversary but his demise was officially announced on April 5, 2021.

    The announcement was followed by the unveiling of his successor, Prince Omoba Tsola Emiko, the son of the 19th Olu of Warri, on same April 5.

    The biography of the late Ikenwoli was read by Prince Yemi Emiko, a prince in the palace.

    Emiko noted that the late Ikenwoli was committed to the massive expansion and development of Itsekiri ancestral home (Ode-Itsekiri).

    In attendance were: The regent of Warri Kingdom, Prince Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh, Chief Gabriel Awala, Chief Brown Mene, Chief Roland Oritsejafor, Chief Robinson Ariyo, Chief Kofi Kartey, and Chief Michael Odeli.

    Others were: renowned clerics including, former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor; General overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev. Sam Aboyeji, among others.

    The event continues today (Saturday).

  • Funeral rites for late Olu of Warri begins June 18 – Iyatsere

    The Iyatsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Johnson Amatserunleghe, on Thursday announced June 18 as the commencement of the burial rites fof the late Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli.

    Amatserunleghe made the announcement alongside other chiefs in the kingdom at a news conference at the Olu Palace in Warri.

    He also said that Omoba Tsola Emiko would be crowned and formerly installed as the 21st Olu of Warri on Aug. 21.

    Amatserunleghe is also the acting Chairman, Olu’s Advisory Council on the Rites of Passage of Ikenwoli and the Coronation of the Omoba Tsola Emiko.

    He said that the funeral rites of the late Ikenwoli would begin with a Commendation Service on June 18 in Warri.

    Amatserunleghe said that it would be followed by the traditional burial rites at Ode-Itsekiri on June 19.

    “Burial activities of the late Olu will end on July 2nd, a duration of 14 days. This will also bring to a close the mourning period throughout Warri Kingdom.

    “It is my singular honour to declare to you on behalf of the Warri Council of Kingmakers that Omoba Tsola Emiko will be crowned and formerly installed as the 21st Olu of Warri on Aug. 21, 2021.

    “Recall that on April 5, 2021, the Iyatsere had made a formal proclamation on the painful exit of Ikenwoli and also declared Omoba Tsola Emiko as the successor to the throne.

    “This was after a rigorous process which included painstaking search within and amongst the descendants of the last three Olus as required by custom, tradition and extant laws.

    “This process also included several consultation and eventual confirmation by the Ifa Oracle, which is sin-qua-non in the procedure for selecting successor to the revered stool of the Olu of Warri.”

  • JUST IN: Olu of Warri designate, Emiko proceeds on compulsory seclusion

    JUST IN: Olu of Warri designate, Emiko proceeds on compulsory seclusion

    The Olu of Warri designate, Prince Tsola Emiko, son of Atuwatse II has proceeded on a 90-day compulsory seclusion.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the 90-day compulsory seclusion of Prince Emiko started on Monday.

    The 90-day compulsory seclusion is part of the traditional rites for Emiko’s installation as the 21st Olu of the Itsekiri people.

    During the period of the 90-day seclusion known in Itsekiri as Idànikèñ or Daniken, the administration of the Itsekiri kingdom is usually under the Olori-Ebi (Regent), a position currently occupied by Prince Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh.

    Upon return from the 90-day compulsory seclusion, Prince Emiko will be installed Olu of Warri and take over authority the Itsekiri people have entrusted in him.

    Recall that Emiko, 37, was unveiled as the 21st Olu-designate following the announcement of the death of the 20th Olu, Ogiame Ikenwoli.

    The young Olu-designate holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Studies and Political Science as well as a Master’s Degree in Management.

    Emiko was born on 2nd April 1984 to Ogiame Atuwatse II the Olu of Warri (prior to his ascending the throne) & Olori Gladys Durorike Emiko, in Warri, Nigeria.

    He got his basic education from NNPC Primary school in Warri and for his secondary education, he went on to Adesoye College, Offa, Kwara State during the period 1995 to 2001.

    Continuing his interest for studying and progressing, Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko got admitted to Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA where he bagged his Bachelors of Arts majoring in International Studies & Political Science, while minoring in History & Economics during the period 2002 to 2006.

    This is not the end to his educational background, to attain a top position in his field, he took it further to earn a Master’s of Science in Management, from Case Western Reserve University in 2007.

    Putting his knowledge gained during the past years, he returned Back to Nigeria for NYSC in 2008 where he served in the Public Affairs Department of National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS).

    Between 2009 – 2010 he worked as an officer as Shell Nigeria Closed Pension Fund Administrator (SNCFPA) and Govt Relations, Sahara Energy. 2010-2012.

    Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko, a serial entrepreneur is the founder of NobleNigerian Ltd and Coral Curator Ltd. He is the Chairman, Ocean Marine Security Ltd and Directors, Gulf of Guinea Ltd and Vessellink Nig Ltd.

    Prince Tsola Emiko is a loving and caring husband to Mrs Ivie Uhunoma Emiko and an inspiring father to Oritsetsemiaye, Oritsetemisan & Oritsetimeyin Emiko.

    Prince Tsola loves traveling, hiking, swimming, kayaking, football, basketball & American Football. He is keen follower of history & enjoys movies. He is a follower of Christ and a nation builder.

  • Olu of Warri: Hundreds of Itsekiri people storm Police command in protest

    Olu of Warri: Hundreds of Itsekiri people storm Police command in protest

    Hundreds of Itsekiri people on Friday stormed the Zone 5 Police command in Benin to protest continued police involvement in the crisis rocking the Olu of Warri stool.

    Armed with placards with various inscriptions, the people requested that the police should allow all the chiefs go back to Warri and resolve the issues amicably.

    The protesters said the continued insistence that police should resolve the issue was a let-down on the custom and tradition of Itsekiri.

    A leader in the group, who gave his name as David Iwere, said, “We are here as Itsekiri, we are tired of our matter being in the pages of newspapers and various social media all the time.

    “What is happening in Itsekiri has never happened before, we are here to appeal to the AIG to send all the chiefs home and give them a time to come back and report the settlement they have made.”

    Another speaker, Mrs Okhere Amaju said they were peaceful people and wanted peace to return to the land.

    “We are here as a group, we want peace; we are tired of crisis we have come to appeal that they should take the matter back home and we can settle ourselves.

    “Itsekiri issue is not for the police, we are a people with culture and tradition, we need to go and resolve our issues at home. We need peace in Itsekiri,” she said.

    Maintaining the same position, Samuel Khalil appealed to all the chiefs and the ruling house to give peace a chance.

    Scott Anwani, an Itsekiri indigene said: “We have gone round to most of the chiefs in Warri kingdom and other stakeholders who are involved in all these issues.

    “We have met one on one letting them know why we must ensure that there is peace in Itsekiri nation.

    “They are our leaders, we are not supposed to be divided; the Ologbotshere, the Iyatsere, the Uji, Uwangue, the ruling house, the chiefs, they should all come to a round table and resolve this matter and make peace so that we can be happy,’’ he said.

    In his response, the Zone 5 Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Tijani Momoh, said the request of the demonstrators would be conveyed to the AIG and whatever directive he gave would be communicated to them.

    Itsekiri land has been embroiled in crisis following the announcement of the demise of the Olu of Warri and the disappearance of the 400 years old crown of the Olu.

  • Okowa congratulates Olu of Warri-designate, mourns late monarch

    Okowa congratulates Olu of Warri-designate, mourns late monarch

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Thursday advised the Olu of Warri Advisory Council to do its best to unite the Itsekiri people and ensure peace in Warri kingdom.

    Okowa gave the advice in Asaba when he received members of the council, led by the Iyatsere of Warri, Chief Johnson Amatserunleghe.

    The governor condoled with the Itsekiri nation on the passing of their traditional ruler, who he described as an epitome of peace.

    He said that late Olu built bridges across the ethnic divides in the country.

    According to him, the late Olu contributed immensely to the peace and development of not only Warri Kingdom, but the state and the country as a whole.

    Okowa said: “I want to condole with the whole of Itsekiri nation on the passing of Ogiame Ikenwoli, the king who believed in peace.

    “He set out to visit other traditional rulers to establish partnership and friendship and these partnerships he built helped to improve on the peace in the state and bring various kingdoms together.’’

    The governor congratulated the Olu-designate, Prince Tsola Emiko, on his emergence and called on the Itsekiri people to give him their full support.

    “I thank God that you have been able to arrive at a decision in the interest of the people on the choice of a new king.

    “I pray to God to lead the Itsekiri nation through these trying times even as we work toward giving the departed king a befitting burial and look forward to the presentation of the new king.’’

    He urged those aggrieved during the process of picking a new Olu to sheath their swords and ensure that everything was done peacefully and in unity in the overall interest of the Itsekiri nation.

    Earlier, Chief Brown Mene, who spoke on behalf the delegation, said they came to inform the governor of the demise of the Warri traditional ruler and enthronement of a new one.

    “Your Excellency, on the 5th of April, 2021, we got to a point where as a people, we gathered together to make a proclamation that our revered Ogiame Ikenwoli had been called to join his ancestors.

    “We know the king never dies and on that same day we proclaimed to the whole world that we have a new Olu-designate in the person of Prince Tsola Emiko.

    “At the conclusion of the funeral rites of the departed King, we can then enthrone the new king,’’ Mene said.

    The delegation also condoled with the governor on the demise of his father, Pa Arthur Okorie, who died in January.

  • Olu of Warri: Violence should not be an option – Keyamo tells Itsekiris

    Olu of Warri: Violence should not be an option – Keyamo tells Itsekiris

    The Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Olorogun Festus Keyamo has advised Itsekiri people not to take the path of violence in addressing issues arising from the selection of Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko as Olu of Warri designate.

    Olorogun Keyamo, who is the representative of Delta State in the Federal Executive Council, stated this while commiserating with the Itsekiris on the passage of their revered monarch, the immediate past Olu, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli.

    As one of the leaders of the Bar and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Keyamo advised those aggrieved to either accept the decision in good faith in the overall interest of the Itsekiri Kingdom and Delta State or have recourse to due process and legal avenues in ventilating their dissent.

    “A resort to violence cannot be an option,” the Minister of State, Labour and Employment was quoted to have said in a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Community Affairs, M. E. Ukusare.

    The statement reads: “The Minister of State, Labour and Employment and representative of Delta State in the Federal Executive Council, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN, commiserates with the Itsekiris worldwide on the passage of their revered monarch, the immediate past Olu, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli. He prays for the repose of his soul.

    “The Minister equally congratulates the new Olu-designate, Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko, as announced by the Iyatsere of Warri Kingdom. He looks forward to hitch-free coronation ceremonies whilst praying for God’s guidance and a successful reign on the exalted throne.

    “The Minister also notes the dissent expressed by some on the issue. As one of the leaders of the Bar and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, advises those aggrieved to either accept the decision in good faith in the overall interest of the Itsekiri Kingdom and Delta State or have recourse to due process and legal avenues in ventilating their dissent. A resort to violence cannot be an option”.

  • Emergence of Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko as Olu of Warri designate well deserved – Tinubu

    Emergence of Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko as Olu of Warri designate well deserved – Tinubu

    National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Bola Tinubu, has described the emergence of the Olu of Warri-designate, Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko, as well-deserved.

    Tinubu, in a congratulatory message on Wednesday, expressed joy over the announcement of the new Olu-designate.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Emiko, 37, was unveiled as the 21st Olu-elect of Warri, following the announcement of the death of the 20th Olu, Ogiame Ikenwoli.

    He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Studies and Political Science as well as a Master’s Degree in Management.

    Tinubu said: “I am delighted over the announcement of the new Olu of Warri Kingdom, Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko.

    “His eventual emergence is a testament to the fact that he is indeed ordained to mount the throne of his fore-fathers.

    “I congratulate the Omoba and the entire Itsekiri Nation. May his reign usher in peace, unity, rapid development and prosperity to Warri Kingdom.

    “I send my best wishes for his continued good health, renewed energy, joy, happiness, prosperity and for the welfare and wellbeing of the Itsekiri people.”

    Tinubu, however, commiserated with the people of Itsekiri over the passing of their traditional ruler,Ogiame Ikenwoli, the 20th Olu of Warri Kingdom.

    Tinubu expressed gratitude to God that Ikenwoli lived well and ruled well.

    “He was a remarkable king who worked hard to achieve peace and unity among his people and neighbours.

    “My deepest condolences to the olori, members of the Ginuwa Ruling House, and the entire Itsekiri nation, particularly at this period of mourning,” he said