AMID canon shots and ovations, yesterday, at Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiri people, the traditional council announced the demise of the late Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II.
The Ojomo of Warri, Chief Yaya Pessu, formally unveiled Prince Emiko. He also performed the traditional ritual of the breaking of a red pot at the palace premises. It was learnt that following the death of Atuwatse II, prominent chiefs of Warri Kingdom, including Chief Yaya Pessu and Chief Isaac Jemide, consulted the Itsekiri traditional ancestry from where it was learnt that the ancestors favoured Prince Emiko. Many Itsekiri leaders who graced the ceremony were in a pensive mood.
Some refused to make comments, saying they were still pained by the demise of the late monarch. After the Olu designate was made known to the people, he was led away amid tight security.
Hundreds of mourners who thronged the Ode-Itsekiri palace shed tears intermittently after the disclosure of the death. Chiefs Yaya Pessu and Thomas Ereyitome who spoke to reporters shortly after the ceremony said the Olu-designate would go into seclusion for 90 days, as prelude to his coronation.
They disclosed that time for the burial of the late Olu would soon be made known to all Itsekiri people. Member representing the Warri Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Mr. Daniel Reyenieju, described the passing away of the Olu as a tragedy of monumental proportion, not only to the Itsekiri nation, but also to the people of Delta State and all Nigerians.
At the announcement of the monarch’s death, yesterday, Reyenieju said the late Atuwatse was most exemplary and focused in his quest for the development of his kingdom and for the interest of itsekiri. He added that the Olu was boundless in his quest for justice for all he came across. He congratulated the new Olu-elect and thanked members of the Warri traditional council, and the entire itsekiri nation for a peaceful succession.
GUARDIANNGR
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