ADEMETO ADELEKAN
THE Itsekiri nation has formally announced the passage of its monarch, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli.
The Iyatsere of Warri kingdom/Acting Chairman of the Warri Council of Chiefs and Olu Advisory Council, Chief Johnson Amatserunreleghe, made the announcement at about 11.00am.
Speaking to a gathering of prominent chiefs, sons and daughters of Itsekiri, he said a three-month mourning period had been declared for the Itsekiri nation.
“There shall be no merrymaking of any kind anywhere in Iwere land. All Itsekiri sons and daughters must tie their wrappers upside down for the duration,” he said.
The customary 20 cannon shots were fired to announce the departure of the monarch, signifying that 20 Olus had reigned in Iwere.
The new Olu Designate, Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko, was also unveiled and presented to the Itsekiri nation.
The new Olu designate was born April 2, 1984, to Prince Godwin Toritseju Emiko (the late Ogiame Atuwatse II) and Gladys Durorike Emiko in Warri, Delta State.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in International Studies and Political science while minoring in History and Economics. He also holds a Master’s of Science degree in Management.
