Olu of Warri preaches peace, confers chieftaincy titles on worthy subjects

The Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Ikenwoli has urges all ethnic groups in the Niger Delta to unite and be their brothers keepers as they demand equity in the country.This is just as the revered monarch has called on all  Niger-Deltans to eschew greed and self centeredness so as to bring about the desired  overall development to the region.
The Olu gave the admonition at his Aghofen palace  in Warri on Saturday during the conferment of chieftaincy titles on worthy sons and daughters of Iwere land.The Olu said the evident disunity among Niger Deltans has prevented them from getting the maximum benefits from their God-given natural resources.

“We (Itsekiri people) are peaceful and accommodating. We love our neighbours. Let’s fight for one another and then others will see our strength.”
“Let the Ijaw man fight for Itsekiri man, let the Ijaw man fight for the Urhobo man, let the Isoko man fight for the Ndokwa man.”
“Invite us for your programme, when others see us together then they will realize we are one people and that we are not fighting ourselves.”

According to the traditional ruler,people outside the region are now leveraging on their greed  to cheat them, adding that their problem was divide and rule.
“All the marginal fields and oil wells are owned by others, but if we unite then we will benefit. Let’s unite and live peacefully.”

The monarch also took a swipe on some of Itsekiri political class who have failed to bring development to their communities when they had the opportunity.
He stated that greed and selfishness are the major plagues bedevilling his kingdom and called for a change of attitude.

The new chiefs conferred with various titles included Chief Robinson Oritsemuminogho Ariyo, Egogo-Iwere (Speaker) of Warri kingdom, Chief Olivia Agbajoh, Oyewumi of Warri kingdom ; Chief Amanoritsewor Atiwa, Otsoro of Warri kingdom.

While thanking the Itsekiri monarch for the honour, Chief Robinson Oritsemuminogho Ariyo, said that the  chieftaincy title would spur him  to do more for the Iwere nation, adding that dedication to the course of Iwereland remained his passion.

Chief Ariyo, however, discloses that gratification was not a prerequisite to being conferred with chieftaincy titles in Itsekiri land.
He added that Chieftaincy title conferment in Warri Kingdom was not for sale, but for illustrious sons and daughters who have dedicated themselves to the development of the kingdom.
The  new Egogo Iwere (Speaker) of Warri  Kingdom stated that the Chieftaincy conferment by the Olu of Warri was as a result of his activities geared towards the development of Warri Kingdom in the last 15 years and enjoined Itsekiris across the world to continually pledge their loyalty to the respected Warri Monarch.
Chief (Barr.) Robinson Oritsemuminogho Ariyo , a Rights activist  was  also a  former  All Progressive Party (APC) Candidate for the Delta State House of Assembly elections in 2015.

The Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi was represented at the colourful ceremony by Prince Adesoji Fadehan, Ogunleye of Giesi Royal House, Ile Oduduwa, Ile Ife, while popular Ijaw leader, Chief Tunde Smooth also graced the occasion.
Pix: Chief (Barr.) Robinson Oritsemuminogho Ariyo and his wife Princess  (Dr.) Yewande Adedoyin Ariyo(Mrs), shortly after the conferment .