The Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, has commenced the revalidation and confirmation of the Warri Council of chiefs following the public notice dissolving the council and other committees in the Kingdom.
The exercise, which took place at Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiris in Warri South council area of Delta saw the emergence of Johnson Amatserunleghe as the most senior Chief, (traditional prime minister) of the kingdom.
His new position displaces Ayirimi Emami, who holds the position of ‘Ologbotsere’ and served as prime minister of Warri kingdom during the time of Ogiame Ikenwoli.
A public notice dated September 1 and signed by Ogiame Atuwaste lll had dissolved the traditional council, committees and sub-committees across Iwereland.
The monarch, during the colourful ceremony, placed beads around the neck of the chiefs and handed them swords, signifying their readmission into the Warri Council of Chiefs.
The Iyatsere expressed delight over the new turn of events in the kingdom, stating “I feel very happy because Warri kingdom has come back to its feet.
“In the beginning, Oba Ginuwa, the first Olu of Warri, left Benin kingdom with seventy chiefs to found Warri kingdom in 1480 and Iyatsere Ugbalaka was the first Iyatsere who led the Royal Entourage and he was the original Prime Minister and Chairman Council of Chiefs and the most Senior Chief.
“Today, I have been decorated as the most Senior Chief and traditional Prime Minister, Warri kingdom, so I am happy that Warri kingdom has come back to its feet again”.
It was learnt that the exercise would be in batches.
Some others who were revalidated as Chiefs are Gabriel Awala, Kofi Kartey, Robinson Ariyo, Dr. Roland Oritsejafor, Roli Oritsejafor, Edwin Olley, Solomon Arenyeka, Clement Maleghemi, Eugene Ikomi, Omolubi Newuwumi and Billy Besi Giwa.
Atuwaste lll prayed for each of the chiefs as they were readmitted and they, later paid homage and presented gifts to the traditional ruler.
