By Francis Sadhere
The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Ikenwole has on Thursday said he did not send those who claimed to be representing either the Olu or the Itsekiri people” in recent Niger Delta stakeholders’ gatherings purportedly aimed at resolving renewed militancy in the region.
“It has come to the knowledge of the Palace of the Olu of Warri that some Itsekiri sons and daughters attending the mentioned meetings are claiming to be representing either the Olu of Warri or the Itsekiri people of Delta State.
“The Palace states categorically that while individuals are entitled to freedom of speech and association, as guaranteed by the Nigeria Constitution, it has not authorized or mandated any person to represent either the Olu of Warri or Itsekiri people at these meetings.
“Consequently, those persons who attended these meetings cannot arrogate to themselves the authority to speak or represent either the Olu of Warri or the Itsekiri people”, the statement declared.
The palace further flayed a September 1st media statement in which Hon. Daniel Reyenieju, member representing Warri Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, authenticated Prof. Lucky Akaruese “as one of the persons representing the Itsekiri ethnic nationality at these meetings.”
“The Palace denounces it. The general public is put on notice” the statement concluded.
Reyenieju’s statement was in reaction to earlier statement by the Warri Study Group, condemning the recent coastal states stakeholders’ meeting.
