Tributes as Itsekiri begins funeral rites of late Olu of Warri

The final burial rites of the 20th Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli 1, on Friday, commenced with glowing tributes at the Aghofen (Olu’s palace) in Warri, Delta State.

The funeral rites, which began with a Commendation and Funeral Service at the palace, is billed to last for 14 days, with lots of fanfare at Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiri people.

The late Ogiame, whom many have described as a gentle “man of peace,” it will be recalled, passed December 2020, barely a week after his fifth coronation anniversary.

His transition was, however, officially announced on April 5, 2021, followed by the unveiling of his successor, Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko, son of the 19th Olu of Warri.

Present at the Friday event were renowned gospel preachers, such as former president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Papa Ayo Oritsejafor, Bishop of Church of God Mission, Warri, Curtis Fianu, General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church and Rev. Sam Aboyeji, among others.

Other notable personalities present at the service were the Regent of Warri Kingdom, Prince Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh and some members of the Warri Traditional Council of Chiefs namely: Chief Gabriel Awala, Chief Brown Mene, Chief Dr. C. Ikomi, Chief Roland Oritsejafor, Chief Robinson Ariyo, Chief Kofi Kartey and Chief Michael Odeli, among others.

In his biography, which was recited by Prince Yemi Emiko, media coordinator of the funeral rites, it was noted that Ogiame Ikenwoli saw to the “massive expansion and development” of Ode-Itsekiri.

Bishop Fianu, in a brief sermon, harped on the need for mankind to “make good use of their lifetime,” while life subsists.

Highlights of the religious exercise were prayers sessions held for the immediate and extended family of the late royal father, the Itsekiri nation and Nigeria at large.

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