Ologbo Crisis: Emami wades in, says issue is purely internal

The Ologbotsere (Traditional Prime Minister) of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayirimi Emami, has described the crisis in Ologbo, an Itsekiri Community in Edo State, as purely internal issue and not ethnic strife between Itsekiris and their Edo brothers.

Chief Emami, who made the assertion Tuesday March 24, when he paid a surprise visit to the oil - rich Ologbo Community, to ascertain the true situation of things, stated that the crisis in Ologbo was as a result of internal leadership struggle at Kolokolo Community and agitation of who has right to collect the out-lawed development levy, which the Oba of Benin had equally banned, saying there is no war between Itsekiris and Binis.

L-R: Chief Prest Udueyin, Chief Ayirimi Emami, Chief Johnson Atselege & Chief Mike Odeli, at Ologbo

While describing the Binis and Itsekiris as age - long brothers, Chief Emami warned those trying to cause ethnic strife between Binis and Itsekiris, because of their desperation to take over leadership of Kolokolo and its sister communities, to desist forthwith, so as to prevent further bloodletting and create the right atmosphere for the misunderstanding to be resolved amicably by the Oba of Benin.

He enjoined Itsekiris in Edo State to bury their differences, close rank and work towards the development of the four oil-rich Itsekiri communities in Edo State, which are: Ologbo, Kolokolo, Ajamogha and Ajoki, adding that Itsekiris and Binis will continue to work together as one.

Chief Emami (left) addressing people of Ologbo & its neigbouring communities

Chief Emami's delegation, which included Chief Mike Odeli and Chief Prest Udueyin, was received by the Iyatsere of Warri, Chief Johnson Atselege.

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