Olu Of Warri Bows To Pressure, Drops Conferment Of Ologbotsere Title On Ayirimi Emami

HRM Ikenwoli

The Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, has finally bowed to pressure from prominent Itsekiri people who had protested the conferment of the coveted title of Ologbotsere (Prime Minister) of Warri kingdom on Chief Ayiri Emami.

The paramount traditional ruler rescinded the decision Tuesday following a mass protest by his subjects who besieged his palace against the candidature of Emami.

Hundreds of people from Japan community who are the original owners of the exalted Itsekiri heritage title, had stormed the Olu’s palace with a vow to stay put till the Olu rescinds the choice of Ayiri who they termed as unqualified for the title.

The monarch was partially held hostage for hours in his palace as all entrance and exit from the palace was fiercely blocked by irate youths who disallowed everyone from going in or out of the palace for hours.

Following the development, the monarch was said to have dropped Ayirimi and also suspended the conferment of the titles of Iyatsere on Chief Johnson Atserunleghe and Uwangue on Mr. Gabriel Ayala.

Alex Eyengho who disclosed the development to Vanguard said, “The Olu graciously listened to the voice of the Itsekiri people.

He has already sent words to the concerned families that the Itsekiri people do not want the three men, and as such, fresh names should be submitted.

“Ogiame however advised all protesters to work within the concerned families with a view to ensuring that the right names are submitted this time around”.