Since the demise of the immediate past Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli 1 Godfrey Emiko; there has been several controversies surrounding the selection process of the new Omoba designate and the soon-to-be crowned Olu of Warri, who would take the Itsekiri nation to the next level. After consulting the oracle and carrying out an extensive background check of various candidates who showed interest, the selection team headed by the Iyatsere of Warri kingdom and the acting chairman of Warri Council of Chiefs and the Olu Advisory Council, Chief Johnson Amatserunreleghe had finally settled for; Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko as the next Olu of Warri and the head of the Itshekiri nation.
On announcing the young chap, the news spread like wildfire as jubilation engulfed the ancient city on the newest development. Simultaneously, some aggrieved chiefs never agreed to the outcome of the selection process claiming it was marred with anomalies and discrepancies. Some went ahead to sponsor a campaign of calumny against the Omoba elect, claiming all sort to de-market him and as well pitch his people against his candidature. The factions broke into two as the suspended Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom (Traditional Prime Minister) Chief Ayiri Emami is hell-bent on not allowing the selected candidate to emerge as the Olu of Warri. From his body language, he and some other aggrieved chiefs are currently working underground to stall his coronation.
Sources averred that; Chief Ayiri is not directly against the emergence of Prince Emiko but because of Captain Wells Idahosa Okunbo, who happens to be the father-in-law of the Omoba elect, who was said to have moved all resources to support his son-in-law in his quest to become the Olu of Warri. “Chief Ayiri is just angry that Captain Hosa Okunbo waded into the kingship tussle. The Omoba elect is like a son to Captain Wells. He is married to his daughter Ivie Uhunoma Okunbo.
The union is blessed with three children namely; Oritsetsemaye, Oritsetemisan and Oritsetimeyin. It also has a political undertone if I must be frank. Ayiri is angry that a man of Benin Origin would have so much say and grip in the selection process of the Itshekiri nation. All he should have done is to allow peace reign since the outcome of the selection process was made public knowledge. All he should be interested in is working with a youthful person who will move the ancient Itshekiri nation forward.”
As it stands it seems the battle line has been drawn between Ayiri and Okunbo over the installation of his son-in-law as the Olu of Warri but Sources further said; Ayiri has threatened that he will resist every attempt that Emiko emerges the Olu of Warri and Okunbo has also said his selection and installation will hold. He also claimed that his suspension as Ologbotsere remains null and void. For Captain Okunbo, Emiko has been selected and must be coronated as the king. “Only time will be the umpire as to who blinks first in this fierce battle between the two billionaires on who gets crowned as the Olu of Warri Kingdom.”
