Traditional fasting in Itsekiri land to begin Saturday March 1

The Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayirimi Emami, has proclaimed that traditional fasting in Itsekiri land, will commence Saturday March 1. 

Our Correspondent, reports that Chief Emami, made the declaration Friday February 28 in Ologbotsere Hall, in his palatial home in Egbokodo, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, during the “Ologbotsere Day”.

Chief Emami, who prayed for fertility, wisdom, good health and peace for Itsekiri people in particular and the Warri Kingdom as a whole, said that the fasting is not different from that of the Muslims and Christians.

Earlier, the Spokesman of Ologbotsere Descendants Worldwide, Mr. Alex Eyengho in a chat with newsmen, said it was a "traditional thing" which the Itsekiri people call "Temotsi" that they're celebrating.

He explained that from time to time, they pay obeisance to their ancestors and pray for Warri Kingdom, the Itsekiri People, the Ologbotsere Descendants and others. 

Chief Ayirimi Emami conferring with Mr. Alex Eyengho

"But this one is very significant, because this has to do with the declaration of the beginning of the traditional fasting in Itsekiri land. 

"If and when we have an Olu, the Olu will "diarhun" as they say in Itsekiri, will cover his mouth and the following day will be declared the beginning of traditional fasting. And if you noticed, this seems to coincide with both the Muslim fasting period and the Christian fasting period. That is, the Catholics (Christians). 

Ighonmieyetan David (Uwangue) and Abiyere Menokanren(right)

"Generally, which tells you that religion is just a matter of nomenclature because, we are almost doing the same thing.

"Traditionally, the Ologbotsere "diarhun" now because of the way things are in the Kingdom. The Ologbotsere is presiding for now, until everything becomes normal in the Kingdom. 

Some members of Obaghoro Community, Sapele branch, entertaining Ologbotsere Descendants present

"The Ologbotsere steps in and he is doing ordinarily what will be done by the monarch. Since the monarchy for now, has "K" leg, the Ologbotsere has step in and continue to perform the duty, so that there will be no vacuum and that's what we are doing here today. 

Pa. Monday Alaigba from Obaghoro Community (left)

"So, the Ologbotsere has diarhun so that from tomorrow, the official fasting in Warri Kingdom will start. The Ologbotsere has stepped in so that there will be no vacuum. That's the significance of today's event beyond the normal, Temotsi".

R-L: Moses Pessu, Segun Ofoyatan, Hon. Dennis Umewe (All of Obaghoro Community)

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