Itsekiri ethnic group in Delta state, has on Monday formally announced the passing of its monarch, His Royal Majesty, Ikenwoli Godfrey Emiko at Ode Itsekiri, his ancestral home in Warri South local government area of the state.
The announcement was followed by 20 cannon shots signifying that 20 Olus had reigned so far in the kingdom.
Ikenwoli, the 20th Olu Of Warri, was reported to have died in December 2020 from COVID-19 complications — one week after his fifth coronation anniversary.
However, the palace denied his death, saying the monarch was indisposed and receiving medical care.
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Thereafter, Iyatsere of Warri kingdom and Acting Chairman Warri council of Chiefs and Olu Advisory council, Chief Johnson Amatserunreleghe announced the development at about 11:32am before a gathering of Itsekiri prominent chiefs, Princes and sons and daughters.
He also said a period of mourning had been declared for Itsekiri nation that will run for three months, adding;
No burials, marriages, dancing will hold across all Itsekiri communities for three months. There shall be no merrymaking of any kind anywhere in Iwere land. All Itsekiri sons and daughters must tie their wrappers upside down for the duration.
The event was attended by Itsekiri sons and daughters from all parts of the country including the Regent of Warri Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh; Chief (Mrs.) Olivia Agbajoh, the Egudeghe (Oyewumi) of Warri; Chief Solomon Areyenka, Chief (Dr.) Adams Timeyin, Chief (Dr.) Charles Ikomi, Prince Yemi Emiko and Chief Brown Nene.
Among other dignitaries in attendance was the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, represented by two frontline monarchs from the South West, Oba Akinola Oyetade Aderere (the Olubosin of Ifetedo) and Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo (the Ore of Otun-Ekiti).
Following the announcement of Ikenwoli’s death, Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko was presented to Itsekiri nation as the new Olu Designate.
Shouts of joy rented the air and his brief biography was later read by Prince Toju Emiko.
Born on April 2, 1984, to Prince Godwin Toritseju Emiko, the late Ogiame Atuwatse II and Gladys Durorike Emiko in Warri, the Olu designate attended NNPC Primary School in Warri and later Adesoye College, Offa, Kwara State for his secondary education between 1995 and 2001.
He then proceeded to Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA where he bagged his Bachelor’s of Arts between 2002 and 2006, majoring in International Studies and Political Science while minoring in History and Economics. In 2007, he earned a Master’s of Science in Management also from Case Western Reserve University.
On returning home to Nigeria in 2008, Prince Tsola Emiko served in the Public Affairs Department of National Petroleum Investment Management Services for the NYSC scheme.
Thereafter, from 2009 to 2010, he worked as an officer at the Shell Nigeria Closed Pension Fund Administrator (SNCFPA) and later at Sahara Energy as Government Relations Officer between 2010 and 2012.
A serial entrepreneur, the Olu designate is the founder of Noble Nigeria Ltd. and Coral Curator Ltd. He is the Chairman of Ocean Marine Security Ltd. and Director, Gulf of Guinea Ltd. and Vessel link Big. Ltd. while his business acumen may be said to have flowed from his late father.
He is married to Mrs. Ivie Uhunoma Emiko and blessed with three children namely Oritsetsemaye, Oritsetemisan and Oritsetimeyin Emiko.
