Confusion Over Olu Of Warri Chiefs’ Revalidation Exercise As Iyatsere Reverses Self

Confusion appears to be trailing the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III’s Revalidation/Confirmation of Chieftaincy titles Exercise as the Iyatsere of Warri, Chief Johnson Amatserunleghe, on Friday reversed himself after being addressed in the media as ‘Traditional Prime Minister’ of Warri Kingdom.

The reports which were believed to have been sponsored, according to sources from the palace had forced the Olu to summoned Chief Amatserunleghe to explained why he is being addressed as traditional prime minister of the kingdom.

Credible sources from the palace disclosed that the Aghofen (palace) was miffed that Chief Amatserunleghe was already being addressed as “Deputy Olu” and “Prime Minister” barely few weeks after Ogiame Atuwatse III was installed to reign over the Kingdom.

Chief Amatserunleghe, according to dependable sources from the palace was queried over what was described as “desperation to grabbed title not assigned to him”.

However, following the backlash which had trailed the reports in the media, Chief Amatserunleghe, on Friday evening released a disclaimer statement, pledging his unalloyed loyalty to the Olu of Warri.

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He said that he was not adverse with Itsekiri customs, culture and tradition and couldn’t have assumed the title of “Deputy Olu” and “Prime Minister” as being alleged in the media.

In a statement personally signed as “The Iyatsere of Warri Kingdom” and entitled; “IN RESPECT OF NEWS REPORTS ON PURPORTED STATUS OF CHIEFS IN WARRI KINGDOM”,  Chief Amatserunleghe disowned the title being ascribed to him, stressing that neither the office of Prime Minister nor Deputy Olu is known to Itsekiri customary law.

The disclaimer reads; ‘”It has come to my notice that, possibly out of innocent misconception, I have been referred to by some media outlets, as the Prime Minister of Warri Kingdom. For the avoidance of doubt, Let me state clearly here, that neither the office of Prime Minister nor Deputy Olu is known to Itsekiri customary law.

“I am sufficiently grounded in our culture and tradition to appreciate the imperative for us all, especially those of us privileged to be recognised as Chiefs, to stand ready at all times to speak up in defence of the peace, stability, and integrity of our beloved Kingdom.

“I hereby reiterate my absolute loyalty to Ogiame Atuwatse III and unqualified commitment to the cause of the progress of Warri Kingdom.

“Long live Ogiame Atuwatse III.

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“Chief Johnson Amatserunleghe, JP The lyatsere of Warri Kingdom”.

Recalls that during the reign of Ogiame Ikenwoli, the 20th Olu of Warri, the Ologbotsere who is the highest Chief in the dissolved Traditional Council of Chiefs, was purportedly referred to as “Prime Minister” of the Kingdom and the most senior chief in the order of hierarchy as Ologbotsere.

Chief Emami, a descendant of Ologbotsere dynasty who was suspended at the heat of the controversial succession battle over the throne, was listed among chiefs to appear before the reverend royal father today, Saturday, September 4, 2021 but it was not clear if he will be going before the monarch at Ode-Itsekiri since he is still under ‘suspension’.

A usually reliable source said that Chief Ayirimi Emami who was listed as number one with the title “Ologbotsere” by his name in the day two of the revalidation exercise, is not expected to appear face-to-face with the King since he is still seen as a ‘suspended chief’. The palace source, also hinted that against insinuations making the round, the monarch may not strip Chief Emami yet so as not to be seen so early as a King who would govern his subjects with vendetta.

Besides Chief Johnson Amatserunleghe, who has been revalidated, Chiefs Gabriel Awala, Kofi Kartey, Robinson Ariyo, Dr. Roland Oritsejafor, Roli Oritsejafor, Edwin Olley, Solomon Arenyeka, Clement Maleghemi, Eugene Ikomi, Omolubi Newuwumi and Billy Besi Giwa respectively had all gone before the monarch for revalidation and confirmation as Chiefs of Warri Kingdom.

BIGPENNGR recalls that the Olu of Warri whose installment was greeted by month-long controversy after the1979 edict (Bendel State 1979 Gazette), being the only succession law governing the throne was jettisoned, had in a “public notice; 09012021/001”, cited section 25 of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Law Capt. 2, law of Delta State of Nigeria, 2008, to back up his decision to call all Chiefs of Warri Kingdom for revalidation/confirmation of their Chieftaincy titles in the Kingdom.

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