Chief Emami Declares: I can sacrifice anything for Itsekiri, but against changing our customs and tradition

Foremost Itsekiri patriot and a leader of the All Progressives Congress in Delta State, Chief Ayirimi Emami, says he can sacrifice anything for Itsekiri Nation, but will stand against anyone waking up to say he or she wants to change the customs and tradition of the tribe.

Fresh Angle International can authoritatively report Chief Emami, made the declaration at his palatial home in Egbokodo, Warri in Delta State, Friday October 20, during the celebration of the 6^th Anniversary of his installation as the Ologbotsere of Warri.

Chief Emami, who was joined in the celebration by key figures of Ologbotsere descendants, averred: “We have to defend the Ologbotsere title, which was traced from head to down, from the family heads. Any title given to me that is not mine, I will reject it. I am a man of truth, we don’t use the palace to hustle, but we work for the palace. They have gone everywhere to tarnish my reputation, but if they go one end, I move to the other end. I always go forward. Nobody can threaten me in Itsekiri Radio to run. I won’t run. Those that ran away from Mayuku (former Ologbotsere) came back when he won his struggles.”

The prominent multi-dimensional businessman cum politician, who spoke in Itsekiri Language and Queen’s English, asserted: “If not for me, many people among the new generation, may not have known about Ologbotsere title today. Today makes it six years I was installed Ologbotsere of Warri kingdom. The entire Ologbotsere family descendants, met and decided to come together to celebrate the six anniversary and for me to offer prayers to the ancestors as our usual way of thanking God for keeping us alive.”

While insisting that he stands for the laid down procedure of how chieftaincy is installed in Warri Kingdom, Chief Emami, opined: “I am not going to deviate from standing for what is right. I'm a student of Itsekiri history. I have PhD (highlighting his knowledge of Itsekiri customs and tradition) already in Itsekiri affairs, because I have been on it from the onset. I have been in the bad, good and ugly of Itsekiri affairs. I understand the affairs of Itsekiri more than those who claim to be speaking for Itsekiri Nation.”

“The few minutes I spend with Mr. President (Bola Tinubu) is to discuss the affairs of Itsekiri, especially development of the tribe and not my personal issue. I will continually present Itsekiri issues before mine. I don't want to be a minister or board member. I want our Ports (Seaports) to work and our roads to function”, he added.

A prominent elder of Agbueju family of the Ologbotsere Descendants, Hon. Pullen Toghanro, while addressing the Ologbotsere descendants, during the celebration, stated: “This our father (Referring to Chief Ayirimi Emami) I don’t know how to describe him, if not for the way he stood, the story would have been different with our enemies. There shall be happiness at the end. We sat down and chose you (as Ologbotsere).”

Chief Emami, flanked by Hon. Pullen Toghanro (left) & other elders of Ologbotsere Descendants present, dancing to melodious Itsekiri songs

Spokesman of Ologbotsere Descendants, Mr. Alex Eyengho, while briefing newsmen after the ceremony, stated: “Tradition is the center-piece for the survival of Warri Kingdom. It is therefore suicidal to deviate for a second, from the custom and tradition of the Itsekiri people.

“The 6th anniversary of the chiefly installation of Chief Ayirimi Emami as the Ologbotsere of Warri, coincided with the General Assembly of the Ologbotsere Descendants Worldwide, held yesterday, Thursday October 19, with meeting and resolutions passed, climaxing today with the traditional aspect of pouring libation to honour our ancestors.

“We are prepared to guide and protect our culture and tradition, we are protecting it jealously.

As part of our general assembly, it was resolved by the Ologbotsere family worldwide that we must not deviate from upholding and defending the culture and tradition of Itsekiri.

A Cross Section of some Ologbotsere Descendants

“We reassured ourselves that we are on the part of fairness, justice and equity, irrespective of the shenanigans that happened April 16, 2023, which was very embarrassing to the extent that an Itsekiri highly respected son, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, walked out of the palace in protest of what happened there.

“We won’t turn our back from the Itsekiri people, we stand with the Ologbotsere of Warri, Chief Ayirimi Emami as far as he is standing firm, we stand firm by him.”

Prominent member of the respect Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, Sir Amorighoye .S Mene, Wilson Mene, Mr. R.O Abiyere, Mr. David Ighonmieyetu, Prince David Iwere and Mr. Oyibo Awani, were among prominent Ologbotsere descendants that attended the grandeur ceremony, which featured traditional dances from Itsekiri cultural troupes and Okumara Dance Group from Calabar.

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