The Itsekiri nation, yesterday, announced the passage of Ogiame Atuwatse II, the Olu of Warri, and immediately designated his younger brother, Prince Ikenwole Godfrey Abiloye Emiko, as successor.
Prince Tsola Emiko, first son of the departed Atuwatse II, had been disqualified from succeeding his father because his mother wasn't Itsekiri.
Explaining the tradition, the Ojomo of Warri, Chief Yaya Pessu, Ojomo of Warri, representing the Ologbotsere (Chief Priest) of the kingdom, said:
By the tradition, a son who must succeed his father must be born of a mother who must
not be outside of Itsekiri or Benin by birth, origin. This is a standing tradition and the son does not fulfill this requirement.
Prof. Jim Omatseye added:
“In the event that a son is not qualified to succeed the father, the princes of the kingdom from the three ruling houses, Ginuwa, Erejuwa and Ogiame, will choose among themselves who should take the throne. The lot fell on Prince Ikenwole Emiko and he is generally accepted by the Itsekiri nation.''
This will be the first time in 200 years that a brother would succeed a brother on the supposedly hereditary throne. Emiko, said to be about 60, and younger brother to the Atuwatse II, is a graduate of business administration from the University of Benin.
Within the next 90 days, Itsekiri will go through mourning on the passage of Atuwatse II. All natives, particularly male and female adults, are expected to wear their traditional wrappers upside down.
Pessu, spelling out the dos and don’ts within the period, on behalf of the Ologbotsere, said:
“Itsekiri the world over are to also refrain from merriment, no drumming or burials as all should be in mourning for the period. There should be no form of fanfare.
He added that coronation of the successor Olu will commence only after the passage rites of Atuwatse II had been concluded.
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