The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has commiserated with Itsekiri sons and daughters over the passage of the immediate past Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli.
In a statement by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare, the Ooni prayed for the repose of the soul of late Olu Ikenwoli whom he described as a traditional ruler who meant well for his people and a great descendant of Oduduwa.
Oba Ogunwusi said the late Olu of Warri contributed immensely to the upliftment of the agelong relationship of the Itsekiri and Yoruba nations within his five years reign.
“Ogiame Ikenwoli was a fantastic leader and highly respected member of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN), so passionate about harmonious co-existence among the nations of the lager Oduduwa race worldwide, Yoruba, Edo and Itsekiri nations in particular. We related very closely, we exchanged royal visits, we agreed, just like our predecessors to ensure stronger Oduduwa family ties. May his soul rest in the perfect peace of the Almighty Olodumare who uphold the family he left behind and give the fortitude to bear the loss his demise has caused as he has joined his ancestors”. Ooni prayed.
Ooni Ogunwusi who is the overall head of the Oduduwa dynasty worldwide further commended the Itsekiri people for their adherence to norms, culture and inherited traditions in the selection of the 37 year old Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko, as the Olu-designate.
The first class monarch said the emergence of the new Olu of Warri has marked a remarkable beginning of another phase in the long and noteworthy history of Itsekiri people.
Ooni said “From the sacred throne of Oduduwa at Ile-Ife, we rejoice with Omooba Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko
as the new Olu of Warri and Itesekiri people all over the world. We look forward to peace and progress across Itsekiri land during the reign of the new Olu of Warri.
“All the descendants of Oduduwa all over the world look forward to a progressive reign of the new monarch”, the Ooni restated.
The Ooni added that since when the first Olu Iginuwa emerged several centuries ago, the Oduduwa dynasty has continued to build a cord of mutual respect and trust founded on timeless relationship, culture and an unbroken chain between the Yoruba and Itsekiri people.
PR