Ayiri Emami Says Planned Coronation Exercise Of Prince Emiko As Olu Of Warri, Futile

The Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayirimi Emami, has cautioned the Ginuwa I Ruling House and Kingmakers of Warri Kingdom against going ahead with plans to crown Prince Tola Emiko as the 21st Olu of Warri next month.

The Nation reports that he said a coronation against the terms of the 1979 Edict would not stand, adding “even if they go ahead with their coronation the Edict will have the last laugh.”

He gave the warning while addressing some of his supporters who stormed the High Court 4, Warri in solidarity with his suit challenging the emergence of Prince Tsola Emiko as Olu of Warri Designate as well as his alleged removal as Ologbotsere by the Ruling House.

Emami emphasised his decision to challenge emergence of the Olu-designate was to safe guide the throne from interlopers who would lay claim to the stool without prerequisite credentials.

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He said: “My stance is not to destroy Itsekiri land but to ensure that our history and culture are not trampled upon by some persons. We must continue with the culture and directives of our forefathers; we owe it a duty to unborn generations to whom we will hand it over untainted.”

Secretary of the Media and Publicity Committee for the coronation, Sir Matthew Itsekure said: “Preparations for the coronation are seriously going on” despite the litigations surrounding the Olu-designate.

Meanwhile Emami has advised Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, against honouring invitation to the purported coronation ceremony.

In the letter, a copy of which was obtained by our reporter, he urged the Governor to ignore invitation to coronation, until the legal hurdles are cleared.

He said: “Let it be on record that without an amendment of the existing law, which should be the collective decision of all Itsekiris that must also be in strict compliance with a legal due process of amendments of such extant laws which we all know must pass through the Delta State House of Assembly.

“It is not about a few noise-making cartel, who are desperate for power, to paint me in negative light before majority of Itsekiris, who stand for the rule of law and unsuspecting non-Itsekiris that are ignorant and uninformed of the letter and spirit of the Edict.

“I want to state very emphatically, that I have no personal interest in this matter and in particular I have nothing against the person of Prince Tsola Emiko.

“However, in my position as the Ologbotsere of Warri kingdom and in the absence of the Olu, I owe the Itsekiri nation, the duty and obligation to uphold the tradition of the Itsekiri people as codified in the 1979 edict and ensure strict compliance to both the law and the tradition of my people.

“As Chief Security Officer of the state, Your Excellency Sir, I urge you with all humility to ensure that existing laws are upheld.”