The Oritsewa of Warri Kingdom and a Crown Prince of Etikan Kingdom in Ondo State, Chief Godday Erewa, has firmly dismissed reports linking the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, to an alleged arms procurement deal with a British Army officer.
The prominent Warri traditional leader has described the claims, which surfaced on certain online platforms, as “completely unfounded and intended to mislead the public.”
The title holder criticised the reports as an affront to the dignity of the Warri throne and the values it represents.
He urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to publicly clarify the matter, while warning that the Warri Kingdom reserves the right to take legal action against those responsible for spreading defamatory falsehoods.
“These allegations are not only unfounded and defamatory but an insult to the integrity of the institution of the Olu of Warri, which has, for centuries, been a bastion of peace, wisdom, and responsible leadership.
“Ogiame Atuwatse III has been steadfast in his mission to bring about reconciliation and development in Warri and the surrounding regions.
“Olu has focused on unity and progress for the Itsekiri people and other ethnic groups in Delta state since his ascension to the throne”, Erewa stated.
He urged the public to ignore the allegations, calling them baseless and part of a coordinated effort by detractors and hidden forces intent on stirring ethnic conflict for personal gain.
Chief Erewa called on all Itsekiri sons and daughters, and indeed all Nigerians, to stand by the Olu and remain focused on the ongoing efforts to build a more united and prosperous Warri.
