The Warri Council of Chiefs

When the first Olu of Warri, Ginuwa I founded the kingdom known as Warri kingdom comprising of all the lands and waters in the landmass referred to as Warri North, Warri South, Warri South West and other Itsekiri communities in other LGAs of Delta state and other States of what is now known as Nigeria over six hundred years ago, he came with seventy men who are all the first sons of their fathers. These men are what is called ”OJOYES” meaning Chiefs in English. Since that period, every Olu that reigned over Warri Kingdom has always conferred Chieftaincy titles on well deserving Itsekiri sons and daughters. This tradition is as old as the tribe and it will continue to be a part of the Itsekiri people, the aborigines of Warri kingdom.

Each Olu in a bid to build a more prosperous Warri Kingdom carefully sorts out credible Itsekiri men and women who have cut out a niche for themselves in their various fields of human endeavour to help build a Warri Kingdom of peace, security, unity, equity and development. The Ojoyes help the Olu to pursue the dream and vision for Warri Kingdom and Itsekiri people. As a result of this, each Olu conducts a long and vigorous search for worthy sons and daughters to be honoured by the first class monarch.

In Warri kingdom, to be conferred with a chieftaincy title, is a very rare privilege. The honour and pride of being chosen by an Olu for chieftaincy title can not be expressed in words. There are various individual qualities that one must possess before he/she can become a chief in the ancient kingdom. The most important quality is credibility and patriotism of the individual for the development of the tribe. Those who are found worthy usually pass through many vigorous traditional screening processes like gold passing through a fire furnace. This process is responsible for the very high level of moral respect the chiefs command through their words, public conducts and traditional activities.

In Itsekiri tradition, the Chiefs are referred to as the Olu’s wives (Aya-Olu) who must do everything within their power to make sure their husband the Olu succeeds in all his vision, programs, pronouncements and decisions during his reign to move the kingdom forward for the collective good of his people. Those who refuse to help the Olu succeed, are usually sanctioned by the Olu, their husband according to Itsekiri custom, tradition and culture which may include being derobed by the Olu. Other names of the Ojoyes include Odibo-Olu (Olu’s Steward) and Uku-Olu (Olu’s messenger).

The Olu has Overlordship rights over all Itsekiri land and does not share this privilege with any Ojoye. The Olu can grant an Ojoye the right to represent him in their respective communities and they are expected to conduct themselves justly while performing their duties.