By Francis Sadhere
The people of Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality in Delta State have unanimously declared Ikenwoli Godfrey Emiko Abiloye as the Olu Designate for the traditional stool of the Olu of Warri Kingdom just as it confirmed the death of HRM. Ogiame Atuwatse II.
The declaration of Emiko as the Olu Designate was held at Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral of home of the Itsekiri people.
The ceremony attracted a mammoth crowd mainly youths, women, the elderly and some members of Warri Traditional Council of Chiefs.
Speaking on behalf of the Itsekiri Nation, Chief Yaya.T. Pessu, the Chief Priest and Most Senior Chief of Warri Kingdom said they unanimously declared Emiko the Olu designate in line with their tradition, saying “when a king passed away, a new king is announced immediately.”
Chief Pessu said with the confirmation of the death of HRM. Ogiame Atuwatse II the Itsekiri Nation will be in state of mourning for a period of three months until the burial rites of the monarch is conducted.
He explained that during the period of mourning there should be no drumming or parties while Itsekiri indigenes are expected to tie their wrappers upside down as a sign of honor to the late monarch while a new King will be installed.
“All Itsekiris should be in mourning until the final burial rites is conducted. During this period, were are to tie our wrappers upside down, no parties and no drumming during this period until after the burial is over and a new King is installed,” stressed Chief Pessu.
He further explained that the children of the late monarch could not succeed their father because the Itsekiri customs stipulates that only persons who are maternally from Itsekiri and Edo and paternally from Itsekiri can qualify to emerge Kings.
In a chat with newsmen, Secretary to Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILT, Mr. Edward Ekpoko Esq hailed the declaration of the Olu designate noting that it is first the in the history of transition in Itsekiri Nation that a brother is succeeding a brother.
“This is the first time a brother is succeeding a brother. It has always been a father to son,” he said.
Mr. Ekpoko who described the Olu Designate as a “complete gentle man, upright, successful business man and non-partisan politician,” said he is the choice of the people.
Also in a chat with newsmen,the Commissioner representing Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality in the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC Board, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi urged the Itsekiris to be peaceful and live in harmony with one another during and after the period of their mourning.
With the declaration of Ikenwoli Godfrey Emiko Abiloye as the Olu Designate of Warri Kingdom the various pressure groups who have debunked media reports claiming that the late Atuwatse is not dead, will now hide their face in shame.
Present at the brief event were the member representing the people of Warri Federal Constituency, Hon. Daniel Reyenieju, Prof. Omatseye.J.N. Nesin, CP. Emmanuel Gbiwen MNI Rtd, Prince Temisan Omatseye, former NIMASA Director General, Prince Mode Akoma, Mr. Sandys Omadeli and Barr.Austin Oborogbeyi.
