By Fola James
Barely 48 hours after reports of death of the Olu of Warri Ogiame Ikenwoli his palace said news that the monarch has joined his ancestors, is false.
The reports that the monarch died first broke on Monday, barely one week after the grand finale of his fifth coronation anniversary celebration.
According to Chief Clement Maleghemi, the palace Administration Director is only “indisposed and currently receiving medical care.”
Maleghemi who spoke at a news conference in Warri on Tuesday, said reports of the first-class monarch’s passage is false with no iota of truth in it, adding that the palace would brief the public subsequently on further developments.
The statement issued by the palace reads: “The attention of the Palace of His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, the Olu of Warri, has been drawn to news/social media speculations announcing the sudden demise of His Majesty.
“We wish to notify the general public that His Majesty is indisposed and currently receiving medical attention by a team of qualified medical specialists.
“Any further information on the subject would be made known to the general public by the office of the Traditional Prime Minister of Warri kingdom, Chief Ayirimi Emami, the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom.”
Meanwhile, The Nation quoting sources close to the palace, reported that the first class monarch had indeed joined his progenitors on Sunday.
The source said that the statement debunking reports of the Olu’s death merely conformed with the Itsekiri tradition of not announcing a monarch’s death immediately it occurs.
He said: “I am not even aware that the Olu is not dead. In fact, he can never die; he merely transits from one form to the other.
“Having said that, let me state that you do not announce the passage of a monarch of the Olu of Warri’s status like that of an ordinary person. There are processes, rites and methods that must be deployed before this can be done officially.”
He explained that it could take up to three months before the death of Ikenwoli would be announced. By then, the face of his successor would be known and all the traditional rites would have been performed or at the process of being performed. This will culminate in the breaking of the hearten pot at Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri).”
The paper quoted another source who said plan is ongoing to chose the monarch successor
He said “The general family will sit down and pick any of his children, who is qualified as his successor. If his first son is qualified by birth, he stands a good chance, but it is not automatic,” the source added.
“Even after that, the candidate must be acceptable by the oracle before the family presents him to the Ologbotsere and Ojoye-in-Council (council of chiefs), who on their own, would also consult the oracle to ascertain his acceptance.
“It is a very painstaking process that requires patience and care. This is why you do not announce a successor until everything is in place. You cannot announce the death until the family and oracle have chosen a successor.”
