Olu of Warri, in Lagos, tasks Itsekiri on values, promises to unite feuding communities

The new Olu of Warri, King Godfrey Ikenwoli Emiko, Ogiame Ikenwoli 1, yesterday tasked Itsekiri people on the need to prioritise their values in order the move the kingdom forward.

The monarch, who spoke at a reception organized in his honour by the Itsekiri community in Lagos at the Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, also promised to reconcile warring communities in his kingdom.
Speaking mainly in Itsekiri, the monarch expressed worry over the attitude of some parties, who would rather spend money on legal fees than use such money for the development of the community.

The king, who promised to consult widely with the people before any vital decision is taken said rather than waste so much money over litigations, such money should be spent on developmental projects in Warri.
He said: “Recently, we had an issue over land and the lawyer was charging us N40 million and we had to beg him to collect N20 million. Why should we spend so much money on litigations when such money could be spent on the developmental projects in our communities?.

“During my reign as Olu of Warri, I will consult before making any pronouncement and I am also using this opportunity to call on people stealing the money meant for community development to stop forthwith”.
While thanking them for the reception and their contribution towards the success of his coronation, the monarch said, he would continue in his mission to reconcile warring factions in his kingdom.

Chairman of the host club, Alphamay, Mr Luck Ereku thanked the royal father for gracing the occasion, adding that his recent coronation was a beauty to behold going by the calibre of people that attended.

According to him, the presence of people like the Ooni of Ife cemented the long standing relationship between the Itsekiri and Yoruba. He also called on the people to make Warri a great a place again.

According to him, Warri is in the frontline among others in Nigeria that have produced some of the great personalities the country can boast of, adding that there is need to bring back the old glory Warri had been known for.
His words: “Warri is never last in anything they are doing and that is why we remain the best today. We are calling on everyone of us to come together and make Warri great again.
“We call on our people who are in Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West to all come together and support the Ogiame to reposition our zone”.