By Sylvester Idowu in Warri
Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, at the weekend conferred on an industrialist and politician, Chief Ayirimi Emami, the Ologbotsere (Prime Minister) of Warri kingdom
The conferment made Emami, the fourth Ologbotsere, a position once occupied by late Alfred Rewane, an ally of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Hundreds of Itsekiri took to the streets after the conferment of the title on Emami to celebrate the proclamation which was seen as well deserved.
Chief Emami’s nomination for the prestigious title had generated little resistance when it was first announced by the monarch which forced the postponement of the conferment.
But after the family insisted that he was their candidate and having met all the requirements, the monarch had no other choice than to go ahead with the exercise.
Two prominent indigenes, Chief Johnson Atserunleghe and Mr. Gabriel Awala, were also conferred with the titles of Iyatsere of Warri kingdom and Uwangue respectively.
An elated Emami said he was overwhelmed by the honour bestowed on him by the monarch and his Itsekiri people
He promised to use the position to advance the cause of Itsekiri, Warri kingdom and the South south region as a whole.
“I am overwhelmed by this great honour and the show of love by the Itsekiri people. I believe to whom much is given, much is expected.
“The reward for work is hard work. I will use this position to advance the cause of the Itsekiri and Warri kingdom,†he promised.
The title was first introduced in Benin in 1773 during the reign of Oba Akengbuwa1.
Reacting to the conferment of the title, former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, (an Itsekiri man), prayed to God to give the new Ologbotsere the wisdom to handle the responsibilities of his new title.
