Buhari, Okowa, Emerhor, monarch mourn Olu of Warri

FOLLOWING the formal announcement last weekend of the passage of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, President Muhammadu Buahri has extended his condolences to the Itsekiri people of Delta State.

A statement by his spokesman, spokesman, Femi Adesina, read: “President Buhari conveys his personal condolences to the late Olu’s immediate family and relations as well as friends and associates of the highly respected monarch who will be greatly missed by the Itsekiris, the people of Delta State and all Nigerians.

“As they begin the three-month mourning period for their departed traditional ruler, President Buhari urges members of the late Olu’s family and all Itsekiris to be comforted by the knowledge that Ogiame Atuwatse II will always be remembered as a peace-loving monarch who did his best to foster the harmonious co-existence of his people with other ethnic groups in Delta State and Nigeria.

“The President believes the late Olu will also be honoured by present and future generations as a most worthy custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Itsekiris, and for the commendable wisdom, sagacity and benevolence which he exhibited in his 28-year reign over the Itsekiri nation.

“President Buhari prays that God Almighty will receive the late Olu’s soul and grant him eternal rest.”

Also, the state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa and Obi of Owa, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor11have condoled with the Itsekiri nation and the entire people of the state over the loss.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, Okowa described the late traditional ruler as an icon of international status whose contribution to the development of humanity transcended beyond ethnic barriers.

To Efeizomor 11, who is the first Vice Chairman of the state’s State Traditional Council, the fallen monarch was a gentleman and peace builder who will be sorely missed.

In his condolence message, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2015 poll and Vice Chairman, Standard Alliance Group, Olorogun Otega Emerhor, said he received the news of the demise with rude shock.

In the statement by his Director of Media and Political Communication, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Emerhor noted that the late Atuwatse was a forthright first class monarch who ruled his people and the entire Iwere land with the fear of God and divine wisdom.

He recalled his brief but exciting interaction with the late monarch when he visited his royal palace during consultations prelude to the April 11 elections, describing it as one of the most inspiring moments of his life.

Emerhor further stated: “Delta APC family is pained by the exit of our dear first class monarch, Ogiame Atuwatse lI, the Olu Of Warri. The royal father was indeed a role model and a wise ruler who without fear or favour ruled his people with great wisdom and high sense of humour.

“Ogiame’s contribution to the development of the Iwere Land, Delta State and the nation will forever be in gold prints.

“APC Delta expresses our heart felt condolences to the good people of Itsekiri nation over the passage of their royal father who attracted substantial development, peace, greater love and unity during his enviable reign.”