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Tag: Ayiri Emami

  • Ayiri Emami hails Omo Agege’s commitment to APC

    Ayiri Emami hails Omo Agege’s commitment to APC

    The Prime Minister of Warri Kingdom and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Chief Ayiri Emami, has praised former Deputy Senate President, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, for what he described as his unwavering commitment to the APC.

    Speaking during an APC interactive stakeholders’ meeting in Delta South Senatorial District with Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR (KSJI), at Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South Local Government Area, Emami noted that if there is anyone truly representing the APC, it is Omo-Agege, describing him as a leader who stands out within the party in Delta.

    Emami emphasised the need for party unity, internal discipline, and strategic planning ahead of the 2027 elections.

    He noted that the greatest challenges facing the party are some of President Bola Tinubu’s appointees from Delta State, particularly from Warri South West and other parts of the state, who he said have refused to identify with the party or contribute to its growth.

    While calling for unity and strategic leadership in Delta APC, Emami warned against internal divisions and urged party members to demonstrate genuine loyalty rather than switching allegiances for personal gain. “If there is anyone truly representing the APC, it is Senator Omo-Agege—he clearly stands out,” Emami declared.

    Emami also cautioned against political betrayal, stating that some individuals who publicly align with the APC secretly support opposing interests. He stressed that true party members must be dedicated and willing to defend the party’s mandate rather than aiding external forces.

    “On election day, if you are not popular, can you rig an election? If you cannot even secure victory in your own stronghold, do you expect others to fight for you? Those who want to be leaders of the party in Delta should show us their results in the last elections,” Emami said.

    Reflecting on the 2023 elections, Emami acknowledged mistakes by the APC, particularly in party leadership appointments.

    “One of our greatest mistakes in the last election was how key positions were allocated, especially the state party chairman. We had people in charge who were more interested in personal business than in the success of the party,” he noted.

    Emami called for a more strategic approach moving forward, ensuring that those appointed to leadership positions are truly committed to the party’s success. “The truth is, many of the so-called leaders have never truly won their local government in an election. They sit in their houses and make decisions without understanding what happens on the ground. That must change.”

    Emami addressed concerns about certain party members undermining the APC from within, particularly those who benefit from the party at the federal level but align with other interests at the state level. “We know those who are APC in Abuja and PDP in Delta. These are the same individuals working against the party’s progress,” he stated.

    Emami emphasised the need to protect the party’s structure from external manipulation. “Those who receive federal government benefits, such as small surveillance jobs, should understand that I prioritize giving these opportunities to party members. Instead of bringing outsiders, I ensure that APC members are the ones benefiting. That is the right thing to do.”

    Read Also: Uzodimma commends NDDC for surviving political interests, bickering for 25 years

    “Now, we’re entering a new phase, a new journey. Many people are repositioning themselves ahead of 2027, but some only want to destroy our party from within. We must stand together with Senator Omo-Agege to prevent that. We’ll stand strong until we get it right. I assure you, we’re not newcomers to this political game.

    “The last election was a stark reminder of our weaknesses. Some APC members were quick to spread negative news about our own party. How can you win like that? Instead of defending our results, some so-called leaders helped the PDP discredit us. That’s a weak foundation. We can’t repeat the same mistakes. Our politics should be local, focused on supporting each other and stopping the betrayal of our party for personal gain. If we don’t stand together, we’ll continue to suffer.

    “Chief Emami urged APC members to engage in genuine grassroots mobilization, rather than relying on external influences to determine leadership. He criticized individuals seeking political appointments without putting in the necessary groundwork, stating, ‘If you sell out your people, you’ll regret it. We must build a party structure that works for everyone, not just a few individuals.”

    “As we look ahead to the next political cycle, Emami stressed the importance of solidifying our party’s foundation before making moves towards 2027. ‘Before we move forward, we must fix our foundation. Our current party structure at the state level is built on shaky ground. If I don’t see people doing the work, I won’t support them,’ he asserted, warning against attempts to manipulate party structures for personal advantage.

    “Emami also highlighted the need for inclusive governance, advocating for fair representation across ethnic groups in Delta State. ‘When I submit a name for an appointment, I ensure balance—one for Itsekiri, one for Urhobo, one for Ijaw in Warri. This is what real leadership looks like,’ he said.”

    Emami urged APC members to remain steadfast and committed, assuring them that the party has a strong future in Delta State if it remains united and focused. “If we remain united, we will take control of this state and deliver real development to our people,” he concluded.

  • Ayiri Emami defy all odds

    Ayiri Emami defy all odds

    For over two years now, socialite and businessman Chief Ayiri Emami and the Olu of Warri, Ogaiame Atuwatse III, have been at loggerheads.

    The issue between the two began when Ayiri opposed the selection of Ogaiame Atuwatse III  as the Olu of Warri years ago. 

    Ogiame Atuwatse III was crowned amid pomp and glee. And after his coronation, he gave a standing order that all chiefs should come to the palace to revalidate their chieftaincy but Ayiri, who was the Ologbotsere of Warri at the time, refused to obey the orders of the king as he didn’t show up to revalidate his chieftaincy.

    As it is known traditionally that the words of the king are backed by authority, Olu of Warri stripped Ayiri of the Ologbotsere title as the traditional prime minister. 

    After many top Warri personalities waded into the issue, at a general assembly on the Aghofen months ago, Ayiri paid homage by kneeling before the Olu, and submitted his beads and swords relinquishing the Ologbotsere title according to tradition. 

    The Olu offered Ayiri the Eyeku of Warri Kingdom, a title once held by his late father, Chief Akonu Emami but Ayiri declined the title, saying it was either the Ologbotsere or nothing. 

    Ogiame also advised Ayiri that to have the Ologbotsere title, he will need to follow due process by climbing the ladder again by meeting the requirements but he declined and the Olu thanked him for all he has done for the kingdom and asked him to sit in the congress but Ayiri stormed out of the palace in the company of his aggrieved people. Using his prerogative as the King, Olu of Warri immediately elevated the Aboludero of Warri Kingdom Chief Oma Eyewuoma, Deputy Director at Conoil as the new Ologbotsere of Warri kingdom and gave him his blessings.

    Read Also: Between Olu of Warri and Ayiri Emami

    A source said that despite the pronouncement of a new Ologbotsere, Ayiri still addresses himself as the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom and now forms a parallel kingdom owing to his massive followership and his filial relationship with President Tinubu. 

    The socialite, last month, celebrated the 6th year anniversary of his installation as the Ologbotsere of Warri on a day that collided with the Ologbotsere Descendant General Assembly where here he hosted all sundry and offered sacrifice. 

    A source alleged that several messages have been sent to Ayiri by the Olu and his chiefs to desist from addressing himself as Ologbotsere but he has defied all odds claiming he is still the Ologbotsere and no one can strip him of his title.

  • Ayiri Emami endorses LBM Awards

    As preparation towards the 2018 edition of the Legend of Black Music Awards gathers storm, some traditional leaders including Chief Ayiri Emami, the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, have endorsed the award ceremony.

    The endorsement of the LBM Awards by the monarchs happened during the third coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, His Royal Highness Ogiamen Ikenwoli II where the Sultan of Sokoto, His Excellency, Sa’ad Abubakar III was the Special Guest of Honour.

    Describing it as a welcome development, convener of the award and founder of BlackMusic Initiative (BMI), Ms Fehintoluwa Odejide, said that it goes to show that BMI is on the right path.

    “We are delighted at this latest development as it goes to show that all the work we are doing has not gone unnoticed,” she said.

    “The award is designed to honour those who have paid their dues in the Nigerian music industry and raise role models for the new generation of artistes. Thankfully, the fact that these traditional leaders have given us their endorsement goes to show that we are getting closer to our goals.”

    Also throwing his weight behind the award was billionaire industrialist, Chief Ayiri Emami, who will be ‘Remarkable Award’ recipient at the award ceremony.

    “It is important that as a people, we begin to look at other ways we can develop ourselves, and one of such is through culture,” said Chief Emami.

    “We appreciate the work that BlackMusic Initiative is doing and we believe that through their effort, we can put this nation on the world map.”

    Slated to hold on December 21 at Golden Gate Restaurant, Lagos, the event, which will be rewarding key players and major achievers in the Nigerian music space, kicks off with a red-carpet reception at 3pm while the main event kicks off at 5pm.

  • Celebration time for Ayiri Emami

    Celebration time for Ayiri Emami

    While the harmattan is tearing through the land and leaving cold bones and chilly joints in its wake, Niger Delta big boy, Ayiri Emami, has never felt warmer. Waves of affection are gushing out of him like water from a warm spring.

    And the reason is not farfetched. On Boxing Day, the Ologbotsere of Itsekiri Kingdom celebrated his 8th wedding anniversary with his delectable wife, Empress. The occasion no doubt made him cast his mind back to their fairy tale courtship and wedding eight years ago, which brought the entire city of Warri to a standstill.

    In his eyes, the years with Empress have been worth every penny of the fortune he lavished on their high octane wedding which remained the talk of the town for many months after. Unlike other celebrity marriages that crashed soon after consummation, Ayiri and Empress continue to go strong and steady on the road of bliss.

  • Ayiri Emami gets Warri’s biggest chieftaincy title

    DELTA big boy, Ayiri Emami, is no stranger to the limelight. He speeds on the highway of fame and bestrides the social scene in the South-South like a colossus. His generous disposition and the wealth he has amassed at such a young age has endeared him to his people, especially the youth. Now, the husband of beautiful Asba Emami is on cloud nine. He was recently conferred with the highest chieftaincy title in Warri Kingdom.

    It was not long ago that Ayiri was humming to the tune of Langston Hughes’ poem, What Happens to a Dream Deferred?’ on account of the fierce opposition to his installation as the Ologbotsere (Prime Minister) of Warri Kingdom. However, the Olu of Warri, HRH Ogiamen Ikemwole, swiftly silenced his detractors by approving a ceremony where the boss of A & E Group was honoured with the lofty title.

    Ayiri’s detractors are now left to nurse their wounds. The young business tycoon is a self-made billionaire who holds big stakes in the oil and gas sectors.

  • Youths cut off power, electricity to Olu of Warri’s palace over Ologbotsere debacle

    Youths cut off power, electricity to Olu of Warri’s palace over Ologbotsere debacle

    The siege on the palace of Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli has assumed a dire dimension, after the aggrieved protesters cut off electricity and power supply to the palace premises, at Ekurede-Itsekiri, Warri,.late Tuesday morning.

    “Public power and water supplies to the Aghofen (Palace) have now been cut off and the palace is in darkness. The people are really very angry,” a source at the scene said.

    It would be recalled that chaos had pervaded section of Warri, particularly the Itsekiri enclaves of the Oil City when youths protesting purported ploy by the monarch to award the title of Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom to a young member of the tribe, Chief Ayiri Emami.

    Ologbotsere (Prime Minister) of Warri is the 2nd highest rank in the land and the decision to bestow it on Emami, who was only made a chief five years ago has not gone down well with a section of the kingdom.

    The stool of Ologbotsere has been vacant since the demise of Chief O. N Rewane, the last occupant in 1987.

    Olu Ogiame Atuwatse II did not install an Ologbotsere during his 28year reign until his demise in 2015.

    However, his older half-brother and successor, Ogiame Ikenwoli was said to have bestowed the stool on Chief Emami, much to the consternation of other members of the traditional council, women and youths of the ethnic nation.

  • Ayiri Emami still loyal

    A feeble mind that changes loyalty on a whim definitely would not have taken Delta big boy, Ayiri Emami, to where he is today. While he knows that to keep head above water, one has to flow with the tide, he also understands the principle of sticking close to one’s friends in both good and bad times. The founder of 911 Beach & Resort in Ugborodo, Warri, thus maintains a steadfast and fierce respect for his benefactor, James Ibori, on whose coattails he made the meteoric rise to his billionaire status in such a short time.

    Contrary to reports in some places that the husband of beautiful Asba Emami has ditched the Ibori camp for other pastures, the head honcho of A & E Group of Companies remains very much in the ranks of Ibori’s team. Even when Ibori was cooling his heels in a UK prison, Emami resisted all the pressure mounted on him to ditch the former governor. Rather, he stood by him through thick and thin in a show of solidarity and friendship.

  • Ayiri Emami lies low

    ONCE upon a time, Ayiri Emami’s name caused the timid to shiver and his presence intimidated even men of means. With the confidence of ten kings and the panegyrics that accompany their appearances, the Niger Delta big boy bestrode the social scene like a colossus. The reign of Emami was no doubt one of the best things that ever happened to the social and entertainment circles.

    But the dark and very wealthy businessman, who once ruled the socio-political sector, has recoiled into an anonymous cocoon. No more does his name cause his foes to scurry in fear of defeat. While he is not out of circulation, those who should know say he has resolved to take it easy and maintain a low profile lifestyle.

  • Double Celebration for Ayiri Emami

    Double Celebration for Ayiri Emami

    It was double celebration for Warri billionaire Ayiri Emami and his wife, Asba, this yuletide season as they also celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary last weekend. The couple got married in a star-studded wedding in 2009 and are blessed with two kids. He came into social reckoning in 2011 when his carnival-like wedding was beamed on Bisi Olatilo Show. It was widely reported he spent N150 million in which 2face was one of his groomsmen. The wedding also had on bandstand 2face, Dbanj, Yinka Ayefele, PSquare and many other notable Nigerian artists. He is reputed to be a big time businessman in Delta State – he owns the 911 Beach & Resort Ugborodo and A& E Petroleum.

  • Ayiri Emami spoils wife on birthday

    Ayiri Emami spoils wife on birthday

    ENTERTAINMENT enthusiast and socialite, Ayiri Emami, sure knows how to pamper his wife. The Warri-based millionaire spoiled his wife, Asba, with a customised Rolls Royce as she celebrated her birthday recently.

    Emami is the boss of the reconstituted Delta Waterways Security Agency, and was said to have financed the multiple award-winning music sensation Tuface Idibia’s wedding in Dubai with N40million.

    Ayiri Emami came into social reckoning in 2011 when his carnival-like wedding was beamed on Bisi Olatilo Show. It was widely reported he spent N150 million in which 2face was one of his groomsmen. The wedding also had on bandstand 2face, Dbanj, Yinka Ayefele, Psquare and many other notable Nigerian artists. He is reputed to be a big time businessman in Delta State – he owns the 911 Beach & Resort Ugborodo and A& E Petroleum.