The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, on Thursday, revalidated and elevated the Iyatsere of Warri Kingdom, Johnson Amatserunleghe as the most Senior Chief and traditional prime minister of Iwereland.
It will be recalled that Atuwatse III on Thursday commenced the revalidation and reconfirmation of the Warri Council of chiefs following the public notice dissolving the council and other committees in the kingdom.
The revalidation also saw the title of Egogo (mouthpiece) held by Chief Robinson Ariyo being revalidated.
The exercise is taking place at Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiris in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Chief Amatserunleghe has obviously displaced Ayirimi Emami, who hitherto held the title of ‘Ologbotsere’ of Warri kingdom during the time of late Ogiame Ikenwoli.
It could not be ascertained if the suspended Ologbotsere had gone to submit his regalia as expected of all chiefs shortly after the coronation of an Olu.
A public notice dated September 1 and signed by Ogiame Atuwaste lll had dissolved the traditional council, committees and sub-committees across Iwereland.
The monarch, during the colourful ceremony, placed beads around the neck of the chiefs and handed them swords, signifying their re-admission into the Warri Council of Chiefs.
The Iyatsere expressed delight over the new turn of events in the kingdom, stating “I feel very happy because Warri kingdom has come back to its feet.
“In the begining, Oba Ginuwa, the first Olu of Warri, left Benin kingdom with seventy chiefs to found Warri kingdom in 1480 and Iyatsere Ugbalaka was the first Iyatsere who led the Royal Entourage and he was the original Prime Minister and Chairman Council of Chiefs and the most Senior Chief.
“Today, I have been decorated as the most Senior Chief and traditional Prime Minister, Warri kingdom, so I am happy that Warri kingdom has come back to its feet again”.
It was learnt that the exercise would be in batches.
Some others, who were revalidated as chiefs include Gabriel Awala, Kofi Kartey, Robinson Ariyo, Dr. Roland Oritsejafor, Roli Oritsejafor, Edwin Olley, Solomon Arenyeka, Clement Maleghemi, Eugene Ikomi, Omolubi Newuwumi and Billy Besi Giwa.
Atuwaste lll prayed for each of the chiefs as they were re-admitted. They all later paid homage and presented gifts to the traditional ruler.
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