A prominent Itsekiri High Chief,
Rita Lori Ogbebor has moved against the proposed installation/conferment of chieftaincy title on former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan and Warri Billionaire Ayiri Emami . This is coming as a result of the proposed installation of new chiefs by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli on some well-meaning sons and daughters of Warri Kingdom.
READ BELOW Her letter to His majesty;
Ogiame Suooo Baba,
“Your Majesty, I have been having sleepless nights for some time now. This concerns several issues about the Warri Kingdom but most especially the urgent one the installation of chiefs. I dare not query you on the issue of appointments of your chiefs.
Definitely it is your prerogative to do so. However, these chiefs are supposed to help you govern the Itsekiri land. This is where all Itsekiris come in to scrutinize and tactically give their approval to your appointments. It is said that a nation without a good leader perishes.
Ogiame, this is where I come in as a chief who have served my people credibly for nearly 30yrs. While the Itsekiris may not be critical over the appointments of some chiefs, It is very critical that the appointment of the Ologbotsere, Iyatsere and Uwangwe are very critical to all Itsekiris.
Ogiame, all I want to say here without mincing words is that all Itsekiris will refuse the appointment of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. It will do a lot of harm to your credibility if you confer chieftaincy title on him. You know I know and all Itsekiris know that this is a man who ruled as Governor and brought us down. A man who should have elevated the Itsekiri land in all possible ways because he knows the Itsekiri land produces 32% of the oil wealth not only in the Delta State but in the whole nation. Instead this man when oil was good and nets (13%-DESOPADEC) about seven billion naira to Delta state every month but this man dug out all our money. There was no development of infrastructure or development of our rural areas.
Ogiame, you know I know, and all Itsekiris know that to appoint this man means a slap on the face of every Itsekiri man. There is a limit to which Itsekiris can take these insults. He cannot come to Itsekiri land to talk to anybody. He will be insulted and spat upon. Some of us will not be proud to wear the chief’s regalia. I will be ashamed to wear it.
Also, the Ologbotsere title shall not be compromised in the kingdom. It cannot be bought with money and cannot be given out as a favour to anybody.
I understand it is rumored that it is to be given to chief Ayiri Emami.
Please, forgive me to say it is a tall and bad dream. Chief Ayiri Emami does not fall into the category of the requirements that I have mentioned. Somebody told me he saw it on Facebook that Ayiri was to be given the title of Ologbotsere by the late Ogiame and that I refused. I stand before my God and my ancestors that Atuwatse 11 never thought of giving the title to Chief Ayiri Emami. Therefore, I never had the opportunity to say yes or know, but today, having heard or rumoured that it is a likely proposition, I refuse with all the fibres of my body.
Ogiame with all humility, I beg to say No! No! No! You remember in our last meeting when all chiefs were present, You were on the throne and Ayiri was seated, you asked where the late Olu and his chiefs were when all the stealings were going on in Itsekiri land. I got up and swore before my God, before you and the rest of the chiefs how Itsekiri money was looted. Ayiri, Ejele and Uduaghan were the main receivers of Itsekiri money. At the end of my story, Ayiri admitted before all the chiefs when Chief Jones (RIP) asked Ayiri to deny this facts, you heard him admit my story.
Ogiame, the Itsekiri nation is in ruin. We need men and women with vision to lead our kingdom or we perish.
May God guide you. This is a crucial hour.
Itsekiris are praying for you, and I call now for all Itsekiris wherever they are to unite behind you because you face a lot of pressure and threats. This is also the reason I am putting my thoughts on paper that those who want to ruin our kingdom should not use you for their financial and political gains.
Ogiame, please do not give anybody any cover under the pretext that you are the father of all Itsekiri land.
The credibility of your chiefs is your credibility.
Long may you reign.
God Bless Iwere land”.
