Warri indigenes of Itsekiri extraction under the auspices of Iwere Consultative Forum habe implored the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and concerned Itsekiri elders to make concerted efforts to restore a sense of unity and trust among the people.
In an open letter addressed to the royal father which was made available to journalists in Abuja noted that trust has taken flight among the people.
His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, had last April installed Chief Oma Eyewuoma as the new Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom while Chief Ayiri Emami was still in Court challenging his suspension as Ologbotsere.
Chief Emami was suspended as Ologbotsere of Warri and chairman of the Olu Advisory Council, following the crisis that trailed the selection of the sitting Olu of Warri, Tsola Emiko as Olu designate.
Also recently there was a face off between a Prince of Warri Kingdom, Prince Yemi Emiko and a prominent Elder, Mene Brown, over the latter comment that the Princes have no say in running affairs at the Olu palace and the Itsekiri Kingdom.
In the joint letter signed by its chairman, Prince Clem Ade Omotoye and secretary, Prince Arubi Ajofotan, the Iwere Consultative Forum described the recent incidences as unfortunate and embarrassing to the Itsekiri Nation.
Arguing that there have not been enough consultations in some of the actions, attributed to the Royal Majesty, they pleaded that the interest of the people should be paramount.
The letter reads: “The question that comes to mind is, where are the Olu traditional advisers – the Chiefs? Where are his handlers, confidants etc?
“We feel that the Ologbotsere matter, should have been handled differently, with more circumspection and with more regard to Itsekiri integrity.
“The present spat between Chief Mene Brown and Prince Yemi Emiko does not augur well for some parties in the existing legal suits. We feel it does not spell well to the foundation of the coronation.
“We will for sub judice make no comment further on this matter even as we feel that it may be near impossible to involve the members of the peace committee in any Itsekiri enterprise in the foreseeable future flowing from the event of Friday 14th and Sunday the 16th days of April, 2023.
“Is the experience of Erejuwa II whose legitimacy on the throne was never questioned not enough for Itsekiri people, at least, as a cautionary tale? Again, where are the traditional “advisers” and or the “handlers” of the Olu?
“We want to note here that the situation in our Kingdom is moving at a frightening pace that something should be done fast to ameliorate real and perceived wrongs and misgivings.
“Again,we must understand that Ogiame is not sovereign. He, like other traditional rulers in Nigeria, is not guaranteed special protection by the Constitution in a democratic setting, as we have in the country today. His powers are at the behest of Itsekiri, Ogiame is the Lord of the people but Itsekiri own the Ogiame (mini mini igbo, igbo mini). His powers are derived from Itsekiri. Over time, the powers have been delicately poised to enjoy the loyalty of the people. It is this loyalty that the Olu must strive to maintain for the crown to continue to be relevant.
“Unlike in the past, the Olu does not have power over life and property. The relevance of the Olu is dependent on his disposition, fairness and appeal. We must remind ourselves, again, that the place of an Olu and indeed all traditional rulers in Nigeria today is under the Local Government Chairman. This makes it imperative to be extremely conscious, calculating, wise, fair, just, trust worthy and equitable, but not over bearing.
“Given the aggressive nature, expansion tendencies and bellicosity of our neighbors, the crown and the people cannot get it wrong. Our neighbors, friends, well wishers, foes and indeed the world are watching the Ogiame and us. It is our sincere belief that the charade and drama are enough. The crown should not be doing anything to compound existing problems. The challenges are not insurmountable if only we have desire to make peace and reconcile every aggrieved party. The acrimonious environment is toxic and is breeding disaster.
“Itsekiri cannot afford a divided nation even as it appears that our neighbors have overtaken us in every sphere. It does not need a soothsayer to posit that we may be heading towards doom or extinction if something positive and radical is not done quickly to harness, harmonize and unite Itsekiri nation. “Nothing and nobody is too big for the cause. It is for the survival of the crown, people and land of Iwere Nation.
“On a final note, it is our humble advice that His Majesty be wary of perambulators and or praise singers on royal corridors scavenging for royal recognition coming with different negative stories about other Itsekiri.”
Making reference to perceived marginalisation of recognised chiefs in the Warri Kingdom, the forum admonished His Majesty Ogiame, Atuwatse III to accord certain chiefs the rights and privileges already accorded them in the custom and tradition of the Warri Kingdom.
It continued: “The only constant in nature is change, tradition will evolve over time and Itsekiri traditions, mores and practices will change and be “modernised” with time. However such modernization will not come by fiat or through the actions or proclamations of a “sovereign” or “monarch”. It will come by suasion, consultations and consensus. The traditional ruler therefore, foisting such change on the people by way of fiat may have consequences.
“It is with the above in mind that we draw the attention of His Majesty to some of his conduct that he must necessarily pay attention to in order not to seen as a traditional ruler having no regard for the tradition of his people thereby threatening his own relevance.
“Ogiame is occupying our traditional stool and must, therefore, adhere and be seen to adhere to the tradition and culture of the Itsekiri people.”
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