The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Olu of Warri

  • Godfrey Emiko is new Olu of Warri

    Godfrey Emiko is new Olu of Warri

    • Olu of Warri: Regent to rule for three months
    • Parties, ceremonies suspended in Warri till December
    • Confusion over who will crown next Olu

    A regent is to oversee the affairs of Warri Kingdom in Delta State despite yesterday’s official announcement of the death of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, and the selection of an Olu-designate.

    The Olu-designate, Prince Ikenwoli Godfrey Emiko, was presented to the Itsekiri people at Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri), yesterday morning, but Sunday Nation authoritatively gathered that he would not ascend the throne for at least three lunar months in line with the tradition of the Itsekiri people.

    Consequently, in line with Section 8 of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict, 1979 of the defunct Bendel State (now Edo/Delta states), a regent is to oversee the affairs of the king pending the coronation of the Olu.

    It was gathered that the Oloriebi (head of the Ruling House), Dr Duakpemi Andrew Ayu, have automatically assumed the position, in line with the 36-year-old documents.

    A knowledgeable source said the regent is usually the “oldest among the sons and grandsons of the past three Olus”.

    The 1979 gazette stated that “Head of the Ruling House acts as the Regent from the time of announcement of the demise (of the Olu) until the installation (of Olu-designate).

    “At the end of the period of about three months, the Olu-designate is formally installed by the Ologbotsere in the presence of the general public,” the document concluded

    The position was confirmed by various sources, including the Secretary and a member of the influential Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, Edward Ekpokpo Esq., and Mr Sunny Amorighoye.

    Ekpoko, who responded to our reporter’s inquiry on the absence of Ologbotsere, Iyasere and Uwangue, said there was no doubt about the regency, insisting that Dr Ayu had become the regent immediately after the announcements yesterday.

    Speaking in the same vein, A.S. Mene said the position of Ekpoko is in tandem with the 1979 Gazette, revealing that everything done by the Olu Advisory Council and the Ojoyes (noble Chiefs), both in announcing Atuwatse II’s transition and choosing Olu-designate, followed due processes.

    Meanwhile, the official unveiling of Prince Ikenwoli Emiko after the news of Atuwatse II’s transition took place at a poignant ceremony, which was held at the Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri), the traditional headquarters of the Itsekiri.

    Announcing both the passage of Atuwatse II and the  choice of Prince Ikenwoli to the Itsekiri National Congress, the eldest member of the Olu Advisory Council, Chief Tesigiweno Yahya Pessu, who is the Ojomo of Warri Kingdom, also performed the traditional ‘breaking of the calabash’, which represents the death of the king.

    The ritual was punctuated by shouts of ‘alejefun’ and otatse, meaning “the white chalk has been eaten by the earth” and “the anchor is broken”, respectively.

    After performing the traditional breaking of the chalk-bearing calabash, Chief Pessu, who is also the Chief Priest of the kingdom, reeled out the code of conduct for the entire Itsekiri nation, home and in the Diaspora, for the three months that the departed Olu would be mourned.

    According to the Chief Priest, “Itsekiri all over the world should be mourning until the burial ceremony is performed and done with. This may take three lunar months. All Itsekiri men and women should wear their (expensive) clothes upside down.

    “There shall be no party, no drumming, no form of merriment for the Itsekiri anywhere, until this process is over. We are in a mourning position now. This shall be in all Itsekiri domains”.

    The passage of Ogiame Atuwatse II, the Olu of Warri, was announced to a tumultuous crowd of Itsekiri people by the Chief Priest and in the presence of other members of the council of chiefs at around 11:50am.

    The announcement was heralded with several canon shots.

    The name of the Olu-designate was announced at about 12:15pm, leading to a wild cheer among the huge crowd of Itsekiri chiefs, elders and people, who had converged on Ode-Itsekiri to be briefed on new developments.

    Describing the mood of the Itsekiri nation at the announcement of the Olu-designate, a member of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILT), Professor Nesin Omatseye, attributed the cheers that greeted his name to his goodness and acceptance by all.

    He said “not everybody would be accepted by all, but this is a person that most of us know over the years that is intelligent, intellectually inclined and culturally exposed. We expect the best”.

    Explaining the uniqueness of the choice of Prince Ikenwoli as the next Olu to be,

  • Photo: Olu of Warri designate unveiled

    Photo: Olu of Warri designate unveiled

  • Olu of Warri confirmed dead, designate named

    Olu of Warri confirmed dead, designate named

    The Itsekiris in Delta State have formally announced the passage of Ogiame Atuwatse II, the Olu of Warri.
    The ceremony, which was held at the Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri), the traditional headquarters of the Itsekiri, also saw the announcement of one of the late Olu’s younger brothers, Prince Godfrey Ikenwoli Emiko (Abiloye), as the Olu-designate.
    Announcing both the passage of Atuwatse II and the choice of Prince Ikenwoli to the Itsekiri National Congress, the eldest member of the Olu Advisory Council, Chief Tesigiweno Yahya Pessu, also performed the traditional ‘breaking of the calabash’, which represents the death of the king.

  • Advisory Council may name new Olu of Warri tomorrow

    There were indications last night that the Olu Advisory Council of Warri Kingdom in Delta State may announce, tomorrow, the transition of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atiwatse II.

    Palace (Aghofen) sources said the formal announcement may be accompanied by the name of an Olu-designate and successor to Atuwatse II.

    It was learnt that the council could make the announcement at Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri), the ancestral home of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality.

    A member of the council, who spoke in confidence because he was not authorised to talk, told our reporter the reasons for making the announcement a formality.

    He said: “There are rites that must be done before you can announce that an Olu has joined his ancestors. We have also completed those traditional requirements and we are set to move to the next stage of making the formal announcement and announcing his successor.

    “It has been a very meticulous and painstaking process. But I can confidently inform you that the major announcement will be made this weekend. It will put to rest the speculations about the state of the Itsekiri.”

    The source hinted that the announcement might shock those unfamiliar with the workings of the Itsekiri traditional inner circle.

    He said: “The choice (of the Olu) may be one that a lot of people do not expect; he could be a bolt from the blue.

    “What I can tell you is that whoever emerges will be the choice of the people, the legal choice and what is best for the Itsekiri.”

    But our correspondent gathered that the late monarch may be succeeded by one of his two younger siblings – Princes Godfrey Ikenwoli Abiloye and Oluyemi Pius Emiko – instead of his first son, Prince Tsola, as was formerly speculated.

    The process of choosing the highly influential traditional ruler of the Itsekiri has been completed, thereby paving the way for tomorrow’s final announcement, it was learnt yesterday.

    The two front runners are sons of Olu Erejuwa II.

    They are said to be eminently qualified and well educated. Godfrey and Oluyemi are graduates of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

    But sources close to the traditional council said Prince Ikenwoli Emiko is the favourite, as he fulfils the requirements in the 1979 Gazette of the defunct Bendel State (applicable to Delta State).

    It was gathered that Prince Yemi was knocked off the list because of his Isoko maternal lineage.

    The 1979 Gazette stipulates that only princes born by an Itsekiri or Edo mothers can become Olu.

    “He (Godfrey) was the choice of his father, Olu Erejuwa II. That is why he was named Abiloye (born for the throne) but he lost out to the then Prince Godwin Toritseju Emiko (Atuwatse II) in 1987.

    “Ikenwoli is set to fulfil a destiny and to sit on the throne of his forefathers,” the source added.

    It was gathered that Prince Yemi was stopped from running because of his Isoko maternal lineage; only princes born by Itsekiri or Edo mothers can become the Olu.

    The former Chevron Nigeria top shot and All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate in the March 28 election reportedly accepted the decision of the council.

    The Olu-designated will be chosen by a seven-man committee, comprising the five members of the Olu Advisory Council and two other members, usually nominated by the Ologbosere of Warri.

    Besides the Ologbosere, other members of the advisory council include the Uwangue, Iyesere, Ojomo and Osodi of Warri Kingdom.

    Only the Ojomo and Otsodi stools are currently occupied; the last Ologbotsere, Pa Alfred Rewane, has not been replaced since his demise in 1995.

    The Iyesere, Chief Gabriel Mabiaku, died recently and his position too has not been filled.

    The process of choosing a new Olu fell on Chief Isaac Jemide, the Otsodi, and Chief Pessu, the Ojomo.

    An Itsekiri leader and member of the Uwangue family told our reporter that the two men constituted a committee to present the new Olu to the Itsekiri nation tomorrow.

    “The absence of the three other members of the council, though regrettable, is not expected to affect the process. This is because each of the families holding these titles has their leaders. For instance, the Olaraja of Jakpa is the head of the Uwangue family,” the source added.

    Also, the document guiding the selection of an Olu of Warri is a 1979 Gazette of the defunct Bendel State. The document was produced following a commission of enquiry set up by the state government in 1977.

    A source conversant with the document but pleaded not to be named, said: “The state government, in 1977, set up an enquiry to have an official government on the matter. It was this that led to 1979 gazette. The 1979 gazette was a product of an enquiry commissioned by R. Kerr Enquiry, a colonial head in 1931. The Kerr Enquiry was set up to decide the way forward after the 88-year interregnum. They met the colonial head and decided on how the Olu should be crowned.”

    Besides being a prince born by an Edo or Itsekiri mother, the document specifies that he must be born by one of the last three Olus.

    “In a situation where there is no qualified son, by birth (direct son of Olu), the search then goes to the brothers of the late Olu. If again, there is none among the brothers, who is qualified, we will go to his uncles. If there is none among his uncles, the search them settles on grand-children,” the source said.

    It was learnt that beyond the gazette, candidates are subjected to traditional consultations at the oracle.

    The candidate, it was learnt,  must be accepted by the various oracles that would be consulted.

    “In this case, I can tell you that the man who is set to be announced on Saturday has been accepted by man and our ancestors. All the oracles consulted have accepted him as the next Ogiame,” the source added.

  • ‘Olu of Warri sick, not dead’

    ‘Olu of Warri sick, not dead’

    A group, Iwere Integrity Group (IIG), has said the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, is only ill and not dead, as was speculated last weekend.

    The group decried the spread of what it called false information on the monarch’s health.

    The IIG, which comprises princes, princesses and prominent Itsekiri leaders, promised to be open about the monarch’s health to avoid further rumour-mongering.

    In a statement by its Chairman and Secretary, Moses Fregene and Francis Ariyo, IIG said: “We admit that His Majesty (Ogiame II) has some issues with his health. All we need do is pray for his quick recovery.

    “We promise to let you know, through the Warri Traditional Council, should his condition improve or deteriorate.”

    IIG restated its commitment to upholding the uprightness of the Itsekiri, “who have been organised under one tongue and crown for over 500 years”.

    But the group’s reaffirmed its commitment to “the promotion of every strand of the custom and tradition of our people and will do everything lawful to guarantee the rule of Itsekiri customary practice and procedure”.

    The monarch, a lawyer, ascended the throne on April 2, 1987.

    His coronation was the last public event attended by the late Yoruba sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

  • Dogara mourns Olu of Warri

    Dogara mourns Olu of Warri

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has condoled with the government and people of Delta over the death of Olu of Warri, Godwin Edomi.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Dogara’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Turaki Hassan, on Monday

    In the statement the speaker said that the country had lost one of its revered traditional rulers.

    “The late monarch was a father for all and consummate lawyer whose 28 year reign brought peace and tranquility amongst his people.

    “I am deeply touched by the news of the demise of Olu of Warri. I pray God to give his family, his subjects and the people of Delta the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,’’ it stated.

    The statement, which said that the late monarch lived an exemplary life worth of emulation, urged the people of Warri to honor him by living in peace and harmony.

    “The late Olu`s demise was a big loss not just to the Itsekiri nation, but Nigeria at large.

    “As people of faith, we know that he has gone to rest as all mortals must test death,’’ the statement stated.

  • Exit of Olu of Warri painful – Saraki

    Exit of Olu of Warri painful – Saraki

    Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Sunday lamented the demise of Ogiame Atuwatse II, the Olu of Warri and said the nation has lost a rare gem and an exceptional monarch.

    Saraki in a statement on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, in Abuja, said the passage of the Olu of Warri was painful but quick to admit that death is an inevitable end for all mortals.
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    He stated that the Ogiame Atuwatse’s passage is coming one month and six days after the death of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse II, ((in Osun State on July 28.

    Saraki noted that the late Olu of Warri lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation. “As a learned legal luminary, he served in various capacities before he was enthroned as a traditional ruler. He placed priority on the welfare and well-being of his subjects. He lived a life full of service to God and humanity as a faithful Christian and lover of God. We shall surely miss him,” he said.

    The President of the Senate commiserated with the Royal family of the Ogiame Atuwatse, Warri Traditional Council, government and people of Delta State.

    He urged them to take solace in the fact that late Ogiame Atuwatse II lived a selfless and fulfilled life adding that those he left behind should strive to sustain his worthy legacies.

    Saraki called on the government and the people of Delta State to immortalize the late Olu of Warri as an honour to dignify his noble deeds while on earth just as he prayed God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.

  • Anxiety over Olu of Warri’s health

    Anxiety over Olu of Warri’s health

    There was anxiety last night over the health of the paramount ruler of Warri Kingdom, the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwase II.

    Unconfirmed reports said he had passed on in a Lagos hospital. However, there was no confirmation from the palace.

    Movements around the palace on Ajamimogha Road, Warri, yesterday might, however, suggest that something was wrong.

    The Nation on Sunday gathered that the Olu of Warri, who has been living with partial stroke for a while now, passed on in a hospital in Lagos, where he had been taken for medical care.

    The last public appearance of the respected monarch was about two weeks ago when he saw the Delta State governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, who paid him a visit, off  to the entrance of his palace.

    Although there were no official sources to confirm the rumoured passage of the Ogiame last night, it was learnt that even if the report was true, no Itsekiri son would confirm it until the palace does its traditional duty of announcing the Olu’s passage.

    When reached for confirmation last night, one of those believed to be closest to the monarch, Chief Brown Mene, simply said “I cannot confirm that to you right now.”

    The second son of Olu Erejuwa II, he was the only son of his father that was made a member of the Warri Traditional Council since 1983 and was also a member of Warri Local Government Council, where he served in several capacities.

    He was a lawyer by profession and the second university graduate to ascend the great throne of Warri Kingdom on May 2, 1987.

  • Olu of Warri, others commend NSITF chair’s benevolence

    Olu of Warri, others commend NSITF chair’s benevolence

    The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II and other traditional rulers in Delta State have commended the Chairman of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, for setting up a foundation to cater for the less privileged members of the society.

    Ogiame Atuwatse II spoke when Dr Olejeme, chair of U & I Foundation, paid him a courtesy visit during her inspection tour of the foundation’s office and empowerment programme in the state.

    The monarch said the gesture of the NSITF boss was unique and instructive and urged privileged members of the society to borrow a leaf from her initiative by giving back to the society.

    Ogiame Atuwatse II promised to support the foundation’s programmes that are geared towards the benefit of the Warri people.

    Dr Olejeme told the Warri monarch that the foundation was set up to give succor to the needy, widow, oppressed and vulnerable members of the society

    She called Nigerians and Deltans to support President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, admonishing Nigerians to resist the temptation of falling backward on previous ways of doing things.

    Quoting Abraham Lincoln, a former US President, she reminded Nigerians on the nation’s unity of purpose and the bonds, stressing, “We are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.”

    She cautioned that the empowerment package is for the less-privileged members of the society and frown at situation where the rich would want to take over the wealth of the poor.

    Meanwhile, Dr Olejeme revealed that her visit to the Oil City was in continuation of her desire to take hope to the hopeless and acting as mother to motherless and provider of shelter to those without homes in the society.

    The U&I Foundation chairperson said the visit was also to prepare the foundation’s Warri office for its Christmas activities geared towards yuletide packages and taking the message of hope to those who lack the basic things of life.

    She said her foundation has impacted upon all groups and ethnic nationals in the state, irrespective of political and religious affinity, age or gender difference.

    Dr Olejeme added that through many lives have been reinvigorated through the foundation, promising that “more lives will be transformed”.

    She commended Ogiame Atuwatse II for his fatherly advice and support for the foundation.

    She also visited traditional rulers in the Isoko and ijaw lands in the Delta South Senatorial District of the state, where the preached the message of hope of the foundation.

    At the palace the Agadagba of Egbema kingdom, she thanked the traditional rulers for their support in the success of the last widow empowerment exercise in the areas.

    She expressed gratitude for their support for the Jonathan and Uduaghan administration saying that Nigeria will rise as one nation and one people.

    The Pere of Akugbene-mein Kingdom, who spoke on behalf of other traditional rulers, commended Dr. Olejeme for investing in the lives of others whose words of thanks she may not hear.

    He described her as a true woman of passion and love for the people.

  • Olu of Warri meets Itsekiri chiefs

    The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, yesterday met with members of the Itsekiri Council of Chiefs in the wake of his recant of the controversial edict, which pitted him against his subjects and the council.

    The monarch on Tuesday recanted the controversial “New Order in Iwere Kingdom”, prompting the end of a four-day siege to his palace (Aghofen) in Ugbori, Warri.

    The monarch’s edict wanted to ban the use of the title, Ogiame and stop the people from paying obeisance to him.

    He also outlawed the Itsekiri anthem, “Ara Lorire”.

    The monarch said the title connotes allegiance to a water god, Umalokun.

    However, the general outcry by his subjects from within and outside the country prompted the recant.

    There were reports yesterday that the monarch only changed his mind because of threat by youths to invade the palace and physically eject him.

    This could not be independently confirmed, although our reporter recalled that scores of women stormed the palace in red attires before the news of the monarch’s reversal was broken at about midday on Tuesday.

    It was gathered that the meeting was aimed at ironing out the details of Tuesday’s truce, which culminated in the monarch sanctioning a return to the old order.

    It was gathered that measures to maintain the peace and ensuring that the ‘no victor, no vanquished’ declared after the peace deal was maintained.

    It was learnt that some of the rebellious chiefs who joined the protest wanted to be assured that they would not be victimised because of their involvement.

    Our reporter’s visit to the scene of the protest yesterday revealed that normalcy had returned to the area.

    Business premises that were shut in compliance with the siege were opened.