JUST IN: Itsekiri mourns late monarch, unveils Emiko as Olu of Warri designate

The Itsekiri nation on Monday officially announced the passage of its monarch, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, at its ancestral home in Ode Itsekiri, Warri South local government area of Delta State.

This is just as the palace chiefs presented Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko as the new Olu of Warri designate to the people.

This development was disclosed by the Iyatsere of Warri kingdom, Chief Johnson Amatserunreleghe at about 11.32 am before a gathering of Itsekiri prominent chiefs, princes and sons and daughters.

The acting chairman of Warri Council of Chiefs and Olu Advisory council also said that a period of mourning had been declared for the Itsekiri nation that will run for three months.

‘No burials, marriages, dancing will hold across all Itsekiri communities for three months.

‘There shall be no merrymaking of any kind anywhere in Iwere land. All Itsekiri sons and daughters must tie their wrappers upside down for the duration,” he said.

The announcement was followed by 20 cannon shots fired to announce the departure of the monarch.

Amatserunreleghe disclosed that the 20 cannon shots signified that 20 Olus had reigned over the Iwere nation.

He also used the opportunity to present Emiko as the new Omoba to the Itsekiri nation.

Shouts of excitement rented the air after his biography was read by Prince Toju Emiko.

The new Olu designate was born April 2, 1984, to Prince Godwin Toritseju Emiko (the late Ogiame Atuwatse II) and Gladys Durorike Emiko in Warri, Delta State.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in International Studies and Political science.

He also holds a Master’s of Science degree in Management.