His Majesty, Ogiamé Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri has installed Chief Oma Eyewuoma as the new Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom. Until his new title, Chief Eyewuoma was the Aboludero of Warri Kingdom.
The event which was the Itsekiri general assembly summoned by His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III (CFR) had in attendance Itsekiri sons and daughters from all walks of life and corners of the realm converging at the Olu of Warri Palace (Aghofen Warri). The installation ceremony which took place earlier today at the Palace of the Olu of Warri had in attendance Palace Chiefs, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Hon. Daniel Reyenieju (Former House of Representatives member), and other notable sons and daughters of Warri Kingdom. The Aghófen Hall was full to capacity as everyone was curious of the agenda of the meeting.
The event started with a dance presentation by Ugborodo community as they entertained guests present. This was followed by a speech from Ogiame Atuwatse III, which can be likened to a homily focusing on several matters that had previously served as a limitation to the unity and growth of the kingdom. In his speech, His Majesty offered forgiveness to erring subjects, stating that he remains father to all. On one hand, forgiveness and reconciliation are virtues that have the potential of making us stronger as a people and as a kingdom. Balanced with a sense of true humility, understanding that often times in life, the way upwards may first begin downwards.
Background on the Ologbotsere of Warri title
To the immediate right of His Majesty was Chief Ayiri Emami, who had been invited for his chieftaincy revalidation. Recall that the Monarch had on October 5, 2021 announced the derobing of the then embattled Ologbotsere of Warri, Chief Ayiri Emami at a ceremony held in his palace. The pronouncement had put an end to Ayiri’s reign as Ologbotsere in Warri Kingdom. As a result of this, a lot of people were surprised when Ogiame Atuwatse III held a meeting with him and there were speculations that he would be reinstated as the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom.
It is worthy of note that the good people of Warri Kingdom staged a protest against the nomination and installation of Mr. Ayiri Emami as Ologbotsere by Ogiamé Ikenwoli in 2017. Before his installation, Ogiame Atuwatse II had ruled Warri Kingdom without an Ologbotsere following the demise of the last Ologbotsere, Chief O. N. Rewane.
Revalidation of Chiefs
Chief Ayiri Emami was asked to submit his beads and sword in the presence of the assembly. These symbolically confer chieftaincy authority on those installed by Ogiame. Ogiame then provided his speech after which he offered the previous title of Eyeku held by the late father of Mr Ayiri Emami, Chief Akonu Emami. This offer was respectfully declined by Mr Ayiri Emami and he left Ogiame’s presence after this.
Chief Oma Eyewuoma, the former Aboludero of Warri, was then called forward and also had his beads and sword taken from him after which he was decorated as the new Ologbotsere. This sent a loud cheer across the hall and even those watching online. Indeed, the king is wise.
Next, Chief Sam Omamuli, who had also come for the revalidation exercise came before His Majesty, handed his beads and sword and informed Ogiame of his decision to not be revalidated. As a result of this, he ceases to be a chief of Warri Kingdom.
#Babadatuwa
#GodBlessWarriKingdom
#LongLiveOgiameAtuwatseIII