The crisis rocking the Itsekiri community in Delta State has assumed a new dimension as some members of Itsekiri ethnic nationality want the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, to honourably step aside, alleging that the monarch was dragging the name of the Itsekiri nation to the mud. Read more
Besides, 22 palace chiefs of Olu of Warri have also added their voices to the demand of the Itsekiri community, urging the traditional ruler to withdraw his declaration.
The Olu of Warri had on September 4, 2013 renounced the Ogiame tittle and other traditional rites being practiced by the Itsekiri people.
In a statement released yesterday evening,Warri Council of Chiefs said the Itsekiri monarch was being deceived by a few powerseeking individuals with hidden agenda but have finally abandoned him (Olu) in the heat of the unwarranted and unacceptable declaration allegedly made by the monarch.
In the statement, signed by 22 of the palace Chiefs present and read by Chief (Mrs) Rita Lori-Ogbebor, they maintained that the name Ogiame has nothing to do with any deity, noting that in “Warri Kingdom, there are Christians, Muslims and pagans to the extent that the Olu appointed an Itsekiri as a Chaplain for the Kingdom.
She said now that the game was up “the authors of the edict have abandoned His Majesty and gone into hiding and admonished the royal father to toe the path of honour and withdraw the declaration, noting that “to use force or law or edict will be counterproductive.”
“The truth of the whole scenario is that a few selfish and power-seeking individuals with hidden agenda masterminded the crafting of this said edict. Now that the game is up the authors have abandoned the monarch and have gone into hiding.
“ The hand writing on the wall is now clear that the monarch has been deceived and consequently the Olu should follow the path of honour and withdraw the declaration.”
“ Thereafter he will settle down to reign as a dedicated missionary and whosoever will, may become converted . To use force or law or edict will be counter productive,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, thousands of Itsekiris from within and outside the state had since last Saturday, laid siege on the palace of the king preventing people from coming in and going out of the palace.
It was gathered that as at yesterday, the protesters were yet to drop their demand for the Olu to step aside since he has refused to rescind his decision. Also, there was a free -for-all between those who were supporting the royal father and those against the decision.
From EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri
CULLED FROM THE SUNNEWSPAPER
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