DTSG Reacts To Itsekiri Kingship Selection, Says Not Aware Of Ikenwoli’s Demise, Olu-Elect

Despite the intrigues that currently surround the selection of Prince Tsola Emiko as Olu-designate, the Delta State Government on Tuesday claimed it has not been informed of the demise of the 20th Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, Niger Delta Today (NDT) reports.

The Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration had remained silent on the development surrounding the death and subsequent selection of a successor for Ogiame Ikenwoli who reportedly joined his ancestors in December 2020.
Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had already congratulated the new Olu-designate in spite of the controversies surrounding his emergence.

However, Governor Okowa had kept mum following issues surrounding the process.
But speaking Tuesday after the State Executive Council meeting presided by Okowa in Asaba, the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said the Government was not in the know of Ikenwoli’s passage and selection of a successor.

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Adding that he was not aware of the controversies in Itsekiri land over the passage of the traditional ruler.
NDT reports that the commissioner told journalists that, “Each community in Delta State has laid down rules/tradition and ruling houses; so Itsekiri will not be different.

“The Delta State Government has not been informed that the Olu of Warri has passed away. For us, we are not aware that Olu of Warri has died.

“To us, there’s no controversy because we were not informed. The issue of the Olu of Warri is the same thing to all the communities.

“When a king dies, the community will write to the government, which will do all that is necessary for the purpose of smooth transition.

“It is not entirely the issue of once the father dies, the son takes over.”