President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated the Itsekiris home and abroad, as Prince Tsola Emiko is installed as the 21st Olu of Warri on August 21, 2021.
The President, in a release by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, hailed the Kingdom for overcoming the issues that arose after the initial appointment of the Olu-designate, urging that any outstanding matters should be amicably resolved in the interest of peace and tranquility.
As a Western-trained political scientist, and management expert, President Buhari counselled the new Olu to use his gift and intellect to serve his people, noting the peaceful disposition of Itsekiris to peace in the Niger Delta region, and the country in general.
The President prayed that the new epoch will consolidate on the peace, progress and prosperity of all members of the Warri Kingdom.
Ahead of the coronation of Omoba Tsola Emiko as the 21st Olu of Warri on Saturday, some parts of the oil-rich city of Warri-South Local Government Area, are already wearing a new look with banners, billboards and decorations on the streets celebrating the coming event.
A septuagenarian, Pa Churchill Oki, said he witnessed the coronation of the father of the Olu Designate, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse II, in 1987 as the 19th Olu of Warri, said he was elated with ongoing preparations for the coronation of the son as the 21st Olu of Warri.
” I saw the colourful boat Regatta in 1987 at the Warri River. It is a beautiful sight to behold then. I am sure this one will be more captivating “, he said.
He also said a period of mourning had been declared for the Itsekiri nation that will run for three months. ”No burials, marriages, dancing will hold across all Itsekiri communities for three months.”
‘’There shall be no merrymaking of any kind anywhere in Iwere land. All Itsekiri sons and daughters must tie their wrappers upside down for the duration”.
This was followed by 20 cannon shots fired to announce the departure of the monarch. He said the 20 cannon shots signified that 20 Olus had reigned over the Iwere nation.
The new Olu designate was born April 2, 1984, to Prince Godwin Toritseju Emiko (the late Ogiame Atuwatse II) and Gladys Durorike Emiko in Warri, Delta State.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in International Studies and Political science while minoring in History and Economics. He also holds a Master’s of Science degree in Management.
