Buhari, Ooni praise New Olu of Warri, Tsola Emiko, says reign an act of God
Olu adopts Atuwatse as new title
Ooni: “We are proud of you”
By Andrew Nene
President Mohammed Buhari today expressed support for the new Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty Tsola Emiko who today was crowned as the 21st Olu of Warri.
The event was witnessed by thousands of people and important dignitaries from across Nigeria and the world. The new Olu also adopted Ogiame Atuwatse III as his new title.
Speaking at the coronation event in Warri, President Buhari praised the Olu of Warri saying that the Federal Government would support the new Olu in uniting the people and making the Kingdom more prosperous.
The Federal Government delegation was led by Senator Omo Agege who said he was at the event wearing two caps.
Buhari said “Congratulations as the 21st Olu of Warri. I’m delighted to join millions to congratulate you. You have been ordained by God. With national and international working experiments you are blessed to look at history and the future.”
The President said he looks forward to see the new King continue the noble tradition of over over 500 years history of the Kingdom.
Buhari said “Accept my congratulations and best wishes” in the letter he signed which was read by Senator Agege.
I’m one of your subjects. I want to join the entire itsekiri nation, the people of National Assembly to congratulate you on this important occasion on your life..
Delta Central another Senator representing you. I will call upon anything we need to do make your reign successful, you can count on me.
The Ooni of Ife, Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi said he was proud to be at the installation event.
He said “You are a lover of the people. I thank God almighty. Today is a red letter day. From the throne of Odudiwa we are excited for this moment. Today the 21st of August you are the 21st Olu of Warri in the 21st millennium. What an interesting coincidence. We are delighted to welcome you on board. You can see the energy. You are loved by your people.”
Ooni appealed to the new Olu to remain the father of the entire of Warri Kingdom.
“You are the father of all. Embrace the entire Kingdom. Extend the hand of friendship to all and sundry. I want to thank all the Chiefs of the entire Kingdom. We are very happy. We have a charismatic King that God has bestowed on Warri. God Almigthy and the spirit of our ancestors will guide you. We will work with you as the co-chairman of Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria. We are proud of you,” the Ooni said.
The Olu in his speech praised his predecessors saying they did their best to uplift Warri Kingdom.
He said in the end he hoped to be true representatives of their virtures
He praised those who stood with the tradition of the Itsekiri people during the difficult times. He said there were efforts to distort the identity of Itsekiri people but that he thanked God that the people won the battle.
He said the mischief that was intended turned out to be a blessing.
Quoting a Yoruba proverb, he said “Our Yoruba brothers have a saying: When the palace is burnt, a more beautiful palace will come forth’ Today, he said, in my capacity as Olu, as the cultural, political leader of this land, I reverse any curse on this land. He called on Itsekiri that are dispersed all over the world, to come back home and rebuilt the Warri Kingdom.