By Our Reporter
- Announce new Olu of Warri designate
- Ayiri says announcement of Olu designate illegal
Scores of Itsekiri across the nation, on Monday were thrown into mourning as the Iyatsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Johnson Atseruleghe announced the demise of His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, the Olu of Warri.
The event which took place at Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri) drew other personalities within and outside the state.
Clad in full traditional regalia, the Iyatsere symbolically broke three earthen pots containing white native chalk in the floor, followed by twenty cannon shots to announce the demise of the late king that reigned for five years.
He announced a period of three months mourning, forbidding any social activities in Iwere land.
Subsequently, Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko was presented to thousands of Itsekiris as the successor to the throne. He is aged 37.
The new Monarch who was Educated in Nigeria and abroad, is regarded as a nation builder and widely accepted by Itsekiris as their new Olu.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, was represented at the occasion by Oba Akinola Oyetade Aderera, the Olubosin of Ife and Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo, the Ore of Otun Eketi.
Immediately after the announcement of Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko as the Olu of Warri designate, Chief Ayiri Emami dismissed it as illegal.
He told journalists that out of seven Kingmakers in the Kingdom, only two were present when Prince Emiko was announced as the Omoba.
Chief Ayiri however called for calm.
Prince Utieyinoritsola Emiko was born in April 2, 1984 to Prince Godwin Toritseju Emiko (the late Ogiame Ikenwoli; Atuwatse 11) and Gladys Durorike Emiko in Warri, Delta State,
He attended the prestigious NNPC Primary School, now NNPC Leadership Academy, NNPC Housing Complex, Ekpan; and attended Adesoue College, Ofa, Kwara State from 1995 to 2001.
For his tertiary education, Prince Emiko studied at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA where he bagged a Bachelor of Art degree in International Studies/ Political Science from 2002 to 2006.
The Olu designate obtained a Master’s of Science degree in Management from Case Western Reserve University in 2007.
He returned to Nigeria for NYSC in 2008 where he served in Public Affairs Department of National Petroleum Investment Management Service (NAPIMS).
From 2009 to 2010, he worked as an Officer at the Shell Nigeria Closed Pension Fund Administrator (SNCFPA). He also worked with Sahara Energy as Government Relations Officer (2010-2012).
Prince Emiko, a serial entrepreneur, is the founder of Noble Energy Ltd and Corral Curators Ltd. He is the chairman, Ocean Marine Security Ltd and Director, Gulf of Guinea Ltd as well as Vessellink Nig Ltd.
The Olu designate is married to Mrs Ivie Uhunoma Emiko and father to Oritsetsemaye, Oritsetemisan and Oritsetimeyin Emiko.