Warri – Following a public notice dated September 1 and signed by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwaste III, dissolving the traditional council, committees and sub-committees across Warri kingdom, a revalidation and confirmation exercise began Thursday.
The exercise which took place at Ode-Itsekiri, also known as Big Warri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiri people in Warri South council area of Delta state, saw the confirmation of Chief Johnson Amatserunleghe , the Iyatsere as the most senior Chief (traditional prime minister) of the kingdom.
It will be recalled, that Chief Ayiri Emami, held the position of ‘Ologbotsere’ and served as prime minister of Warri kingdom during the reign of Ogiame Ikenwoli, the 20th Olu of Warri who was crowned in 2015 and later joined his ancestors in 2020.
The first class monarch during the colourful ceremony, placed beads around the neck of the chiefs and handed them swords, signifying their readmission into the Warri Council of Chiefs.
Shortly after the ceremony, elated Iyatsere expressed delight over the new turn of events in the kingdom, saying ,
“I feel very happy because Warri kingdom has come back to its feet.
“In the beginning, Oba Ginuwa, the first Olu of Warri, left Benin kingdom with seventy chiefs to found Warri kingdom in 1480 and Iyatsere Ugbalaka was the first Iyatsere who led the Royal Entourage and he was the original Prime Minister and Chairman Council of Chiefs and the most Senior Chief.
“Today, I have been decorated as the most Senior Chief and traditional Prime Minister of Warri kingdom, so I am happy that Warri kingdom has come back to its feet again”.
Others who were revalidated included the title of Egogo (mouthpiece) held by Chief Robinson Ariyo ,Chiefs Gabriel Awala, Kofi Kartey, Dr. Roland Oritsejafor, Roli Oritsejafor, Edwin Olley, Solomon Arenyeka, Clement Maleghemi, Eugene Ikomi, Omolubi Newuwumi and Billy Besi Giwa.
Atuwaste III prayed for each of the chiefs as they were re-admitted. The chiefs later paid homage and presented gifts to the traditional ruler.
Nigerian Observer learnt that the exercise will be in batches.
