By Jimitota Onoyume

People of Okere community in Warri south local government area of Delta State, yesterday, trooped out in large numbers to accord the Olu of Warri , Ogiame Atuwatse III, a rousing welcome as he paid a visit to the Itsekiri community.

The colourful reception started with community folks escorting the vehicle conveying the monarch into the community with traditional Itsekiri songs and dances.

Shouts of “Ogiame suooo, you will reign forever”, “ welcome to Okere community”,”The great king of Warri kingdom, “We love you”, “ The God ordained king”, “ My king , my love, you will live forever” and “The greatest king of our time”, rented the air as the convoy slowly moved through the jubilant crowd.

Armed policemen and other security operatives were on ground to ensure law and order.
The monarch, who stepped into the community Town Hall, offered prayers and blessings upon the town before departing.
Sunday Vanguard gathered that the visit of the monarch to the community was part of a programme lined up for Okere community, currently keeping ceremonial watch over the palace of the Olu of Warri for three months.

Chief Robinson Ariyo, a prominent member of the Warri Council of Chiefs, told Sunday Vanguard that the monarch introduced three months period for each community in Warri Kingdom to watch over the palace in a process called Ghegho Aghofen, adding that Okere community had been watching over the palace since December last year.