Warri – After weeks of speculations, Itsekiri chiefs on Saturday announced Prince Godfrey Ikenwoli Emiko, a university of Benin graduate as the new Olu designate of Warri.
The announcement of Prince Emiko who’s now to be addressed as the Abiloye, puts paid to rumours over the death of Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II.
Atuwatse II, who reigned for over 28 years as Itsekiri monarch, reportedly died in a Lagos hospital on the 4th of this month.
Today’s event which took place at Ode-Itsekiri (also known as Big Warri), the ancestral home of the Itsekiri nation, saw the emergence of Abiloye, who is the immediate younger brother to the late Olu.
It was learnt that this is the first time a brother is taking over from another brother in a system that’s purely hereditary.
The Olu designate is in his early sixties (60s) and is married with several children.
Chief Yayah Pessu, who is the Chief Priest and most senior chief in Itsekiri nation, announced the death of the monarch , with the firing of canons in the presence of palace chiefs and notable Itsekiri indigenes.
A total of 17 canons were shot into the air to traditionally announce the death of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II.
Addressing journalists after the ceremony, Chief Pessu (Chief Priest), said the mourning period forbids Itsekiri’s sons and daughters worldwide from every form of celebration including burial activities until the burial rites for the late monarch were completed.
He disclosed that new Itsekiri Monarch, King Abiloye Godfrey Emiko, would be officially crowned before the end mourning period.
“I’m also member of the Olu’s Advisory Council which is the highest body in Itsekiri land. In an event of this magnitude, you can call us kingmakers or Olu Advisory Council”, the Chief Priest added.
He added, “the new Olu is widely accepted by all Itsekiri people. You can see the jubilation the moment he was announced. There was great crowd of acceptance.
” All Itsekiri worldwide should be in a mourning mood until,the burial rites are performed. The mourning period will take three months’’.
He instructed all Itsekiri indigenes to wear their clothes upside down until the crowning of the new king and after the necessary burial rites are concluded.
