DELTA: Itsekiri announces passage of Olu of Warri, picks 37-year-old Prince Emiko as successor

THE Itsekiri nation has formally announced the passage of its monarch, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli at Ode Itsekiri, it’s ancestral home in Warri South local government area.

The Iyatsere of Warri kingdom and Acting Chairman Warri Council of Chiefs and Olu Advisory Council, Chief Johnson Amatserunreleghe announced the development today before a gathering of Itsekiri prominent chiefs, Princes and sons and daughters.

The nation also presented 37-year old Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko as the  Olu-Designate.

Prince Emiko was born April 2, 1984 to Prince Godwin Toritseju Emiko (the late Ogiame Atuwatse II) and Gladys Durorike Emiko in Warri. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in International Studies and Political science while minoring in History and Economics. He also holds a Master’s of Science degree in Management.

On the passing of the Itsekiri monarch, the Iyatsere said a period of mourning had been declared, noting that “No burials, marriages, dancing will hold across all Itsekiri communities for three months”

He said, “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”.

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