Warri Kingdom: Ologbotsere, Iyatsere Clash Over Demise of Ikenwoli and Succession of Itsekiri Stool

The Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayiri Emami, has dismissed the unveiling of Prince Tsola Emiko on Monday April 5, 2021 as successor to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, insisting the revered Warri Monarch has not joined his ancestors.

Chief Emami,  spoke in reaction to the announcement by  the Iyatsere of Warri, Chief Johnson  Amatserunreleghe at Ode-Itsekiri in Warri South Local Government Area, where the Iyatsere declared that Prince Tsola Emiko is the successor to Ogiame Ikenwoli, the Olu of Warri.

The Iyatsere of Warri kingdom and Acting Chairman, Warri council of Chiefs and Olu Advisory council, had announced the passage of His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli before a gathering of Itsekiri prominent chiefs, Princes and sons and daughters.

He also said a period of mourning had been declared for the Itsekiri nation that will run for three months. “No burials, marriages, dancing will hold across all Itsekiri communities for three months”. “There shall be no merrymaking of any kind anywhere in Iwere land. All Itsekiri sons and daughters must tie their wrappers upside down for the duration”.

This was followed by 20 cannon shots fired to announce the departure of the monarch. He said the 20 cannon shots signified that 20 Olus had reigned over the Iwere nation.

Chief Amatserunreleghe afterwards, unveiled Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko as the new Olu Designate.

However, in his reaction, the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom declared: “The Olu has not joined his ancestors. As far as I am concerned, whatever was done today at Ode-Itsekiri was kangaroo in search of power. The person that has the right to pronounce the transition of the Olu of Warri, whenever that happens, is the Ologbotsere, which i am till this moment by the grace of God. I must add that the 1979 edict has not been amended to give any other person the right to pronounce the passage of the Olu of Warri, apart from the Ologbotsere “.

The brewing tension in Itsekiri nation, had heightened for the past few days following controversies, intrigues and power play over the right person that should mount the revered and highly exalted throne of the Olu of Warri Kingdom.

Prince Tsola Emiko and the new Olu designate, was born April 2, 1984, to Prince Godwin Toritseju Emiko (the late Ogiame Atuwatse II) and Gladys Durorike Emiko in Warri, Delta State.