Warri (Delta) – Prof. Grace Alele-Williams and four others were on Friday conferred with chieftaincy tittles by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli.

This was the first conferment of chieftaincy titles performed by the monarch since his enthronement in 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alele-Williams, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin and a Professor of Mathematics, was conferred with the title: Utienyin Iwere of Warri, a.k.a Oluebeje.

Addressing the gathering at the Palace, the monarch said the five titles given out were just the beginning.

He said more titles would be given to other deserving persons in subsequent weeks till November as part of the celebrations of his one year anniversary.

“Before now, people have been coming to me and talking eagerly of chieftaincy titles.

‘“I told them I was just settling down and titles will come at the right time.

“What you are witnessing today is the result of the work that the committee set up has done.

‘“From now till end of November; every weekend, more titles will be conferred on deserving recipients,’’ NAN quotes the monarch as saying.

Ikenwoli said that conferment of chieftaincy titles in Itsekiri Kingdom was strictly on merit.

The monarch said that only credible and those who have the interest of the land at heart would benefit from it.

He urged the subjects to disregard the rumour making the round concerning the kingdom; describing the rumour as baseless.

“’From time to time, I will be addressing the people on issues concerning Itsekiri.

‘“My prayer to God is to allow ceaseless celebration and joy in my time in Itsekiri land,” NAN quotes Ikenwoli as saying.

The monarch thanked the dignitaries from Ijaw, Urhobo and other immediate neighbours, who attended the ceremony.

While calling for unity in Delta, the monarch said that he was ready to build bridges.

Others recipients of the titles included: Mr Eyitemi Diden as “Ideofene of Warri a.k.a Agboburukun Jakan’’; Pa Akoma Dimeyin as ‘“Omokun of Warri a.k.a Agbewu’’.

Mrs Mercy Olowu received the title: “Utukpa Iwere of Warri a.k.a Eriegwa’’ and Mr Omolubi Nenewumi as “Omatamudieyin of Warri a.k.a egindegereyugba’’.