The Oritsuwa of Warri Kingdom, Chief Godday Erewa, has described the allegations of illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism levelled against the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III as a cheap, malicious and callous allegation designed to malign the reputation of the monarch.
Erewa who dismissed the allegation as tissues of lies maintained that the allegations are not only unfounded but are driven by misinformation and myopic motives.
Erewa who is also a Prince of Etikan in Ilaje local government area of Ondo state, in a statement signed by him, said the claims that a company chaired by Olu of Warri involved in pipeline vandalism and illegal oil bunkering is unfounded and false.
According to him, the allegations against the monarch os capable of causing serious reputational damage and spiralling into ethnic tensions.
He said said contrary to the false allegations peddled by the fifth columnists, the Olu of Warri had embarked on several projects and programmes aimed towards promoting socio-economic development, peace and societal wellbeing.
He said “the Olu as a people-centric leader has demonstrated an uncommon knack for for ensuring that public assets are safe and secure.
“However, it is confounding that these accusations surfaced at this particular moment, signalling a conscious attempt to mislead the public and mar the reputation of the Olu of Warri for selfish reasons.
“The longstanding commitment of the Olu of Warri to ethical conduct, peace, transparency and environmental safeguards in the region is unparalleled.
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“For the record, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III remains a beacon of hope, a promoter of peace, and a visionary leader dedicated to the prosperity of his people.
“His efforts to ensure security, economic engagement, and sustainable development are evident in the transformation within the Warri Kingdom and beyond.
“His focus on sustainable economic growth has made the Warri Kingdom a hub for industrial and commercial activities, creating wealth and stability for the people.
“The monarch is a champion of development, not destruction. The Olu of Warri’s reign has led to an increase in job opportunities for the youth, infrastructural development, and policy initiatives that attract investors to the region”
Chief Erewa further stressed that in today’s era of misinformation, needless accusations should be thoroughly scrutinised before it is purveyed as facts.
He, however, urged the public not to be swayed or misled by these false narratives, noting the allegation was designed to malign the reputation of the Olu of Warri.
He called on the government to as a matter of urgency, direct security agencies to investigate sponsors of the allegations, so as to bring them to justice.
“The Olu of Warri has a penchant for integrity, wisdom, and progressive leadership, and history will continue to celebrate his impact on the Warri Kingdom and the nation,” he said
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