Ologbotsere Of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayirimi Emami Declares Traditional Fasting In Itsekiri Land

The Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayirimi Emami, has declared Saturday March 1 as traditional fasting day in Itsekiri land.

Chief Emami, made the proclamation as tradition demands on Friday February 28 at the Ologbotsere Hall, in his palatial home in Egbokodo, Warri South Local Government Area, during the “Ologbotsere Day”.

Making the declaration, he prayed for fertility, wisdom, good health and peace for Itsekiri people in particular and the Warri Kingdom as a whole, saying that the fasting is not different from that of the Muslims and Christians.

Speaking on the significance of the traditional rite, the Spokesman of Ologbotsere Descendants Worldwide, Mr. Alex Eyengho, told newsmen, that it was a “traditional thing” which the Itsekiri people call “Temotsi” that they’re celebrating.

He explained that from time to time, they pay obeisance to their ancestors and pray for Warri Kingdom, the Itsekiri People, the Ologbotsere Descendants and others.

“But this one is very significant, because this has to do with the declaration of the beginning of the traditional fasting in Itsekiri land.

“If and when we have an Olu, the Olu will “diarhun” as they say in Itsekiri, will cover his mouth and the following day will be declared the beginning of traditional fasting. And if you noticed, this seems to coincide with both the Muslim fasting period and the Christian fasting period. That is, the Catholics (Christians).

“Generally, which tells you that religion is just a matter of nomenclature because, we are almost doing the same thing.

“Traditionally, the Ologbotsere “diarhun” now because of the way things are in the Kingdom. The Ologbotsere is presiding for now, until everything becomes normal in the Kingdom.

“The Ologbotsere steps in and he is doing ordinarily what will be done by the monarch. Since the monarchy for now, has “K” leg, the Ologbotsere has step in and continue to perform the duty, so that there will be no vacuum and that’s what we are doing here today.

“So, the Ologbotsere has diarhun so that from tomorrow, the official fasting in Warri Kingdom will start. The Ologbotsere has stepped in so that there will be no vacuum. That’s the significance of today’s event beyond the normal, Temotsi”.