Traditional ruler: There’s no Olu-designate of Warri

Ayirimi Emami, Ologbotsere of Warri kingdom and chairman of Warri Council of Chiefs, says Ogiame Ikenwoli, the Olu of Warri, is not yet dead.

Emami made the clarification following the announcement of the demise of Ogiame Ikenwoli and the naming of Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko, a prince, as his successor.

Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, issued a statement on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, congratulating Emiko as the new Olu.

But in a statement on Wednesday, Emami said he has not convened an assembly to make such an announcement, adding that the domain is yet to have a new king.

“I want to state categorically clear as before that Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli, has not joined his ancestor as being alleged. I have not convened any general assembly of the people as tradition demands to state the contrary,” he said.

“So if His Royal Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli has not joined his ancestor, where does Olu-designate evolve from?”

Emani said anyone trying to use the name of the president’s name “to draw ethnic and political colouration to the Olu throne issue should be wary of the danger of such actions”.

“Mr. President that I know will not delve into the customary issue of any ethnic group more so when there appears to be unsettled customary discrepancies and contentions. President Muhammadu Buhari that I know does not involve in illegality,” he said.

“It has not come to when he will formally join the rest of the world to mourn and congratulate us.

“We are Itsekiri people and not any other tribe. We will not allow outsiders to come and dictate for us. We have our customs and traditions and the Nigerian constitution evolves from the peoples’ norm, values and tradition.

“I will formally issue a statement on this and will formally brief Mr. President of our tradition at a later date.”

This is not the first time the death of the monarch will be denied. In December, palace officials said the Olu was indisposed and receiving medical care.