The death of the 20th Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, has been announced and an Olu designate presented.
The announcement was made on Monday at the ancestral home of all Itsekiri, Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri) by the Iyatsere of Warri kingdom, Chief Johnson Atserunleghe, on behalf of the Itsekiri National Assembly.
Making the announcement at the Assembly of all Itsekiri, the Iyatsere also introduced the Olu-designate, Prince Itieyinoritsetsola Emiko, to the people.
But while announcing the demise of the Olu at the solemn assembly, Chief Atserunleghe broke the symbolic pots containing white native chalks one after the other on the floor, announcing: “Ale-jefun ooo” after each session.
The announcement of the departure of the 20th Olu was also greeted with 20 cannon shots signifying that 20 Olus had reigned so far.
Meanwhile, three months of mourning of the departed Olu has been announced with ritual restrictions.
During the restrictions, no ceremony involving drumming and dancing is allowed in Iwere land, no merry-making of any kind and all Itsekiri sons and daughters are expected to tie their wrappers upside down for the duration of the mourning.