The Warri traditional kingdom was thrown into confusion, Sunday, as the Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III installed a new Ologbotsere (Prime Minister) of kingdom after what was described as a unresolved quarrel with the incumbent, Chief Ayirimi Emamen.
The new Ologbotsere, Chief Oma Eyewuoma, former Aboludero of Warri Kingdom was installed in the controversial ceremony that was held at the palace of the monarch in Warri, amidst drama as the former Ologbosere walked out on the Olu, in protest of the exercise.
Speaking after the installation, the Olu said, “As far as Warri kingdom is concerned, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy. True reconciliation will not be forced on Ogiame.
“There is no son or daughter of Itsekiri that will hold this throne to ransom and so the terms of reconciliation will be determined by Ogiame. The reason we are doing this publicly is a divine one.
“I have struggled, resisted trying to come down and be vulnerable before my people. It is not an easy thing to do,” he said.
However, Chief Ayirimi Emami while walking out of the Olu of Warri, insisted that he remained the Ologbotsere, boasting that he was still in possession of the traditional beads that were presented to him by the former Kings, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse II and HRM Ogiame Ikenwoli and the Uda.
Chief Ayirimi, who addressed members of the Ologbotsere descendants and supporters who accompanied him to his residence, displayed the traditional beads and the sword.
The spokesman for the Ologbotsere descendants worldwide, Alex Eyengho, later addressed newsmen and explained that the Ologbotsere title is “till death”.
He said for Emami to accept the title of his father, which is a “lesser title in the name of peace” would amount to “peace of the graveyard”.
Other prominent Itsekiri sons, including palace chiefs, who were there, also left in disappointment.