In an apparent reconciliation move, the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwaste lll, met with the embattled Ologbotsere of the kingdom, Chief Ayirimi Emami, yesterday.
The meeting, which held behind closed doors, came 20 months after the coronation of the monarch in August, 2021.
The emergence of the monarch as king-designate in March 2021 had torn the kingdom apart over disagreement on the process of selection.
The Nation gathered that selected Itsekiri chiefs as well as sons and daughters were privy to the meeting which took place at the palace in Warri, Delta State.
Although there was no official statement from the palace about the meeting, it was gathered that the meeting was geared towards ensuring unity and peace in the kingdom. Reports of an invitation by the traditional ruler to Chief Emami had surfaced on social media two weeks ago after he (king) performed a traditional rite at Ogbowuru hall in Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of Itsekiri people.
However, Emami appeared to be away from the kingdom and could not immediately respond to the invite. This, it was gathered, informed his visit yesterday at about 4 pm, after his return.
It will also be recalled that the Oni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, stormed the palatial residence of the Ologbotsere in Ubeji-Warri late January, shortly after meeting with the Warri monarch.
His visit was widely perceived as a move towards ending the over one year rift that emanated from the succession of the 20th Olu, Ogiame Ikenwoli.
The Iyatsere of Warri Chief Johnson Atseruleghe and the Uwangue of Warri Chief Gabriel Awala were among the palace chiefs who attended yesterday’s meeting.
Other prominent Itsekiris who witnessed the meeting were the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan and former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Papa Ayodele Oritsejafor.
A video viewed on Facebook saw a large crowd of people cheering Chief Emami who had just stepped out of the over four hours meeting dressed in the conventional men’s native attire (trousers and long sleeves top). His hand beads were also spotted.
Appreciating the people for their support, he disclosed that a more inclusive meeting between the throne and members of the Ologbotsere descendants was scheduled for Sunday, April 16.
It is envisaged that the development will bring to an end the succession crisis and the suits that emerged afterwards.