By Benjamin Njoku

The Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse II, CON, outgoing Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON and the State’s Governor-elect in the just concluded governorship elections, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa are among top dignitaries that will converge on Warri on Friday, May 1, to behold a command performance of the play, ‘Olu Akengbuwa’, produced and directed by award-winning filmmaker, Comrade Alex Eyengho.

Eyengho

The play is part of activities lined up for the 28th anniversary of the coronation of His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse II, scheduled to hold at the main hall, Federal Government College, Warri, Delta State. Notable thespians like Nobert Young, Ejike Asiegbu, Peter Fatomilola, Soibifaa Dokubo, Eliel Otote, Teejay Morgan, Stephen Osezua, Williams Ekpo, Efe Mayford-Orhorha, Lanre Falana among others will perform in the play.

In a statement issued in Lagos earlier in the week, Comrade Eyengho pointed out that the play, which will be preceded by a red carpet ceremony is the first of its kind in the activities marking the annual anniversary of the coronation of the Olu of Warri.

“I am very upbeat about this play. It is actually a project titled ‘Warri Monarchs’ Play Series’. The concept is that every year during the annual anniversary of the coronation of the Olu of Warri, we will stage a world-class play about the story of any of the past 18 Olus of Warri who reigned in the Kingdom, with a view to informing, educating and entertaining the teeming guests at the annual event about the historical trajectory of the Itsekiri people and their Monarchical system.

The first in the series is the story of Olu Akengbuwa, the 16th Olu of Warri who reigned between 1795 and 1848 AD”, Eyengho stated. On why he decided to start the series with the 16th Olu of Warri and not the 1st to 15th before him, Eyengho who is also the President of Association of Nollywood Producers (ANCOP), explained: “It is for a strategic reason.

Olu Akengbuwa was the last Olu of Warri before the 88 years and only interregnum in Warri Kingdom till date. For 88 years, the Itsekiri people had no king and this was what led to the British imperialists installing one Governor and the other in the Kingdom until the interregnum ended in 1936 with the coronation of His Majesty, Ginuwa II, Emiko Ikenbuwa as the 17th Olu of Warri.

It is instructive to point out that the reigning Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse II, has given his blessings, endorsement and approval for the project to become an integral part of programme of events for the annual anniversary of his coronation”. Eyengho also disclosed that a few persons and organizations that have contributed positively to the creative industry in Itsekiriland and Nigeria generally would receive maiden awards of ‘The Itsekiri Awards For Excellence (TIAFE)’.

These include Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Pa J.O.S. Ayomike, Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, Barr. Fred Agbeyegbe, Mr. Aboyowa Ikomi, Hon. Justice (Mrs.) Roli Harriman, Mr. Emmanuel Etsede (aka Agomi) and Chief (Madam) Onesanden Enonuwaewu (aka Ugbogboebebe) among others.