BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

WARRI—THE Itsekiri nation of Delta State turned out en mass, yesterday in praise worship to kick-start the 27th coronation anniversary of their monarch, Ogiame Atuwatse II, the Olu of Warri.

Atuwatse II, who ascended the throne on May 2, 1987, is the 19th Olu since King Gimuwa I, was crowned in 1480, in a transition that witnessed an interregnum between 1848 and 1936.

The Christian worship, which opened this year’s anniversary at the Olu’s Palace, Warri, featured songs and drama rendition as well as prayers to God for preserving the monarch on the throne in peaceful reign over his subjects.

Chairman, Delta State Civil Service Commission, Chief Emmanuel Tetsola, who chairs the Planning Committee of the 27th Anniversary, told Vanguard that the people have all cause to thank God and celebrate for keeping the monarch in peace with his subjects.

He said: “It is not easy for God to keep our king living happily with us on the throne. 27 years on the throne is no small feat. There is also the joy that the Itsekiri nation remains a unified kingdom under one monarch. There is no doubt we are happy.”

Dr. Mark Erumi, Chaplain of Warri Kingdom, who moderated the praise worship, said: “The recourse to praising God to open the celebration of our king cannot be over-emphasised.

“There is the usual thanksgiving closing the coronation remembrance, but in truth we cannot give enough to thank God for all His blessing upon the throne and the Itsekiri people. The best we can offer is to praise and worship Him for His continued mercy and favour.”

The day one of the event progressed into traditional dances and paying of homage to the Olu as well as a special presentation by Itsekiri representative at the national conference, Chief Isaac Jemide, who gave situation report on his participation at the ongoing confab.

Chief Jemide, who described participation at the conference as strenuous, said he has so far made a case against calls for a liberalised indigenous as well as calls for renewed efforts at protecting minorities interests, including the Itsekiri.

He told the Olu and his people that, “I am in the Immigration Committee. Incidentally, it talks a lot about indigenship. In one of my papers to the committee, I made it clear that indigeneship is a natural thing not artificial. People are born and hold allegiance to their roots where they are buried and it must remain so.

“The idea that a stranger can begin to claim indigeneship in another land after 15 years stay or so, will not help Itsekiris and other minorities. I have told them and I strongly believe that the committee is keying into it.”

Other dignitaries at the event include President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor; Pastor John Toritsemotse, palace chiefs and Mr. Daniel Reyenieju, member representing Warri federal constituency, who also gave a brief stewardship of his office to the people.

The 27th Coronation Anniversary of the Olu continues today at Big Warri, with a state of Itsekiri nation speech by Atuwatse II himself.