*Douses tension over contention for vacant chieftaincy titles
*Blasts “irresponsible” Itsekiri political officeholders

By Egufe Yafugborhi

WARRI – THE Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwole, has commended immediate past Delta state government, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan for making the difference in the development of Itsekiri land, especially for linking remote Abigborodo, his home community by road.

The Olu on Sunday during a post enthronement visit to Abigborodo, Warri North local government area, also charged his subjects to shun rumour, lies and envy to allow tradition prevail in the choice of those to fill the contentious traditional chieftaincy seats of Ologbotesere, Iyasere, and others that have been vacant for years.

Amidst widespread allegation of non performance by his subjects against Uduaghan during his time as governor, Ogiame Ikenwole who spoke in Itsekiri said, “I honestly think some of his achievements are very commendable. We should not just cast blames. If anybody thinks otherwise, they need a rethink.

Ogiame Ikenwoli, Olu of Warri Kingdom

“It takes enormous character and commitment to have constructed this Abigborodo road through a difficult terrain many would have thought impossible. My predecessor found it difficult to visit this part of the kingdom because there was only a difficult water route. Today I am here through a road delivered by Dr. Uduaghan.”

Earlier, the Chairman, Abigborodo Community Trust, Monday Agbeyi, in a welcome speech had stirred the conflict among contenders for the vacant traditional titles, particularly the seat of Alema of Warri kingdom and that of Iyasere which he implored the monarch to, in his wisdom, fill with capable contenders.

The monarch on the raging contention told his subjects, “I have not anointed anyone for Alema seat or for any other traditional chieftaincy title. Don’t tell lies against me. These titles are guided by tradition and reside with certain families and communities. I will not take steps outside those my father took in filling these vacant titles.

“I have told the entitled families to nominate three persons each because leaving these titles vacant for so long is also a challenge for the kingdom too, so I must fill them. However, over my first coronation anniversary, I will be giving out honorary chieftaincy titles.”

The Olu spontaneously confirmed the chairman of Warri North Council, Francis Maku, among some reported 22 nominees recommended by the Olu constituted committee to search for worthy Itsekiri sons and daughter for chieftaincy titles in a list which also include Prof. Grace Alele-Williams.

The Warri monarch also swiped at some of his subjects in public offices for self appropriating development opportunities meant for his kingdom, saying under his reign such persons will no longer enjoy the privilege to represent Itsekiri.

“It is sad that some of the people who were elected to represent Itsekiri delight in proposing budgets and funds for development of Itsekiri land only to go through back door and collect the set funds for themselves, buy big cars to drive about and sleeping with other people’s wives. Be mindful who you chose to represent you in government”, the Olu told his subjects.

He further charged Itsekiri communities in boundary dispute with their neighbors to guard against violence and be lawful in resolving such issues, assuring that he is touch with government and relevant stakeholders to ensure amicable settlement of any lingering dispute.

Other neighboring communities who joined host Abigborodo in paying homage to the Warri monarch on the occasion include Ajaosolo, Okogho, Ugbagboro, Ugboritsedo, Ugbekoko, and Obotie, all of whose complaints of underdevelopment he promised to look into.