The Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayirimi Emami, has been invited by the Police over a petition alleging his involvement in “burglary, stealing and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.”
A Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Zone ‘5’ Headquarters, Benin in Edo State, Polycap Dibia, signed the terse invitation letter dated April 21.
The invitation came just as the Delta State Government, which had earlier denied knowledge of the passing of Olu Ogiame Ikenwoli, condoled with the Itsekiri nation over the demise of their monarch.
A delegation of the Olu of Warri Advisory Council visited Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in Asaba to officially brief him on the traditional ruler’s transition and the emergence of an Olu-designate, Prince Utienyinoritsetsola Emiko.
Dibia, in his letter, explained that the invitation of the Ologbotsere was in respect of an ongoing investigation of “a case through a written petition to the AIG of Police, Zone ‘5.’
Although he did not name the author(s) of the petition, he explained that Emami “is requested to have an interview with the Deputy Commissioner of Police, ZCID, through the Anti-Vice Section, on Monday 26th April 2021 at 1000hrs.”
“You (Emami) are also requested to come along with Chief Macgrey Richmond,” the letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Nation, added.
Emami, who confirmed the invitation but declined further comment, is opposed to the process that led to the emergence of Emiko, as the new Olu-designate. He hinged his reason on the 1979 Edict, said to be the only legal instrument that controls the Olu stool and announcement of the passage of a former monarch.
But, a source said “ the Ologbotsere was perplexed that while a section of the kingdom was restraining him from further action, those hell-bent on stoking the fire are provoking him with such flimsy allegation.”
Some youths had last month laid siege to the Olu of Warri palace, following succession dispute in the Kingdom.
A 400-year-old pair of diamond and silver crowns used to install the monarchs of the kingdom and their queens in the past, reportedly went missing after the siege to the palace.
The Nation had exclusively reported April 8 that the Zone ‘5’ of the Nigerian Police Force had taken over the investigation into the missing crowns.
The Niger Delta Grassroots Organisation has urged all parties to the crisis to sheathe their swords and make way for peace.
The NDGO National Coordinator, Weyinmi Olley, clarified that the Ologbotsere was not against the emergence of Prince Utienyinoritsetsola as Olu-designate.
Olley called for “avoidable discord in the Ginuwa Ruling House, those who had gone to court, all simply demonstrated, like Chief Emami, respect for extant law and the Warri crown that the Itsekiri nation is known for.”
He said: “I appeal that instead of being confrontational, dismissive and “suspending” Ologbotsere, the majority opposed to the 1979 Edict should present a better persuasion that could smoothen the ongoing crowning process.”
