The Ologbotsere Descendants of Warri Kingdom have declared a traditional fasting period across Itsekiri land, set to commence tomorrow, Saturday, 1 March.
Chief Ayirimi Emami, who asserts that he remains the Ologbotsere of the kingdom due to a subsisting contention in court, made the declaration during the Ologbotsere Day celebration at his country home in Egbokodo-Itsekiri Community, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The event featured prayers for the Itsekiri people and the Warri Kingdom, seeking fertility, wisdom, good health, and peace.
Speaking on the significance of the fasting, Chief Emami emphasised that it is no different from the fasting observed by Muslims and Christians.
Earlier, the Spokesman of Ologbotsere Descendants (Worldwide), Mr Alex Eyengho, described the event as a traditional practice known among the Itsekiri people as Temotsi.
He explained that, from time to time, the Itsekiri pay homage to their ancestors and pray for the Warri Kingdom, the Itsekiri people, the Ologbotsere Descendants, and others.
“This particular Temotsi is significant because it marks the official declaration of traditional fasting in Itsekiri land,” he said.
He further explained that, under normal circumstances, the Olu of Warri would diahun (cover his mouth), signifying the start of the fasting period.
The following day would then be declared the official beginning of traditional fasting.
“Interestingly, this coincides with both the Muslim fasting period and the Christian fasting period, particularly that of the Catholics.
“This tells you that religion is simply a matter of nomenclature, as we are essentially engaging in the same practice,” Eyengho added.
Eyengho also highlighted the role of the Ologbotsere in the current circumstances of the Warri Kingdom.
“Traditionally, the Ologbotsere has diahun due to the situation in the Kingdom. He is presiding for now until normalcy is restored.
“The Ologbotsere ensures that the traditional fasting will commence as scheduled, maintaining the continuity of our customs and traditions,” he concluded.
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