The 20th Olu of Warri, Ikenwoli Gbesimi Emiko 1, was on Saturday crowned in coastal Ode-Itsekiri, Delta State, with several politicians, industrialists, traditional rulers and religious leaders in attendance.
At the event, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by Among the Secretary to The Government of the Federation, Mr. David Lawal, said no Itsekiri person was among corrupt persons who had been returning loot to the coffers of the Federal Government.
He extolled the virtues of the people, noting that of all those who have returned stolen money, the Itsekiri people remained one of the few ethnic groups not affected.
The President urged the new monarch to emulate his predecessor who embraced peace at all times, making sure that all crises-prone issues were ironed out before they escalated.
Buhari said, “This kind of event sometimes happens once in a decade. We commend the late Olu for the quick resolution of crisis and we are grateful for the peaceful transition. Our prayer is that the new king should emulate the last.
“You have produced people that have helped to move the nation forward. The new Olu should not abdicate the responsibility to ensure peace.
“Among all the scandals and pilfering, no Itsekiri son is involved. This is a testimony to your strength of character and integrity.”
Also at the event were the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; and Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State.
Other dignitaries at event were a former Vice President of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Ekwueme; Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara; newly-crowned Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu and ex-Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso.
In his remarks, Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, noted that since the death of the former Olu, there had been no wrangling or bickering over who should succeed him.
He described the newly-crowned monarch as a worthy successor, while urging him to “fit squarely into your predecessor’s shoe.”
Okowa said, “You should make the peaceful co-existence of your people a priority. We need to sustain the peace we already have and we hold the traditional institution as the custodians of peace. May your reign espouse righteousness,” Okowa said.
In what was regarded as his first official engagement since his crowning last week, the Ooni of Ife expressed his joy during the ceremony while tracing the relationship between the Yoruba and Itsekiri people.
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