Royal War: Why Olu disrobed Ayiri, crowned new Ologbotsere in Delta

Mixed reactions as the Olu of Warri Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III finally deposed the former Ologbotsere of the kingdom, Chief Emami Ayiri and crowned a new Ologbotsere (Prime Minister) of Warri Kingdom on Sunday.

Meantime, Chief Ayiri was also invited to the ceremony which was held at the palace of the monarch in Warri on Sunday.

Congress learnt that the new Ologbotsere Chief Oma Eyewuoma was the former Aboludero of Warri Kingdom.

Olu spoke, “As far as the Warri kingdom is concerned, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy. True reconciliation will not be forced on Ogiame.

“There is no son or daughter of Itsekiri that will hold this throne to ransom and so the terms of reconciliation will be determined by Ogiame. The reason we are doing this publicly is a divine one.

It was gathered that Chief Ayiri Emami staged a walkout of the palace, insisting that he remained the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom.

According to him, since he was still in possession of the traditional beads that were presented to him by the former Kings, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse II and HRM Ogiame Ikenwoli and the Uda, he remained the original Ologbotsere of the kingdom.

Ayiri while addressing members of the Ologbotsere descendants and supporters who accompanied him to his residence, displayed the traditional beads and the sword.

According to the spokesman of the Ologbotsere descendants worldwide, Alex Eyengho, the Ologbotsere title is “till death.”

Eyengho told journalists that for Emami to accept the title of his father, which is a “lesser title in the name of peace” would amount to “peace of the graveyard.”

It was learned that the former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayodele Joseph Oritsejafor also staged a walked out of the ceremony.

However, the former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan was present and remained at the event until it closed, while other prominent Itsekiri sons, including palace chiefs left in disappointment.