Itsekiri Indigenes In Benin-City Congratulate New Olu Of Warri, Plan Solidarity Visit

By Solomon Akora

Indigenes of Itsekiri nation residing in Benin City, the Edo State capital have congratulated their newly crowned king; The Olu of Warri; Ogiame Atuwase III as he “sits on the throne of his forefathers.”

Speaking to newsmen on Thursday in his office with the enormous joy in the hearts of Itsekiri people in Benin City, their leader;’Chief James Awala recalled that when the controversy erupted as to who would be the king, the Itsekiris in Benin were resolute that there was no better person than the newly crowned Olu for the position.

Chief Awala said they were solidly behind the new monarch. Towards this end, he disclosed that they were planning a well deserved solidarity visit to him in his palace anytime soon.

He said in conjunction with some of his executive members such as Mr. Arugha Omajoe, Mrs. Patience Okokhua, Messrs Robert Jalagbeyi, Francis Eruwa and Omamuli Obayendo they were mobilizing others for a befitting solidarity visit to the Olu.

While praying God to grant the new king a peaceful and progressive reign, Awala added that on the lessons to be learned from the controversies that raged before the Olu’s coronation, majority were in support of Tsola Emiko as he then was.

According to him, “with the successful coronation, it shows that the majority were correct and God was also in support.” He has therefore called on anyone still feeling aggrieved to now ensure peace, come together and those still having cases in the courts to withdraw them.”

Awala charged all Itsekiris both at home and in the Diaspora to support the new Olu so that his reign can be peaceful and progressive.