We must gather together, to recover quickly - Tonwe pleads with Chief Emami

Diaspora based former Itsekiri students' leader, David Utseoritsemofe Tonwe, has appealed to Chief Ayirimi Emami to let go any grievance ( s) and " return wholeheartedly" to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, saying at this " crucial time" Itsekiris must gather together to recover quickly and move forward as a people.                                         

Tonwe, who made the appeal in an emotional message to felicitate Chief Ayirimi Emami on the occasion of his 50th birth anniversary, said if he was in Nigeria, he would have come to Chief Emami's home to plead with him face - to - face.                                              

He stated: " I, David Utseoritsemofe Tonwe, wish to heartily congratulate my elder brother and illustrious son of the Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayiri Emami, on his special birthday celebration.

"Chief, your chieftaincy title awaits renewal, even though Baba has chosen not to grant your desire at this moment. Nevertheless, Baba holds a special place for you always and deeply values your unwavering contributions to our beloved Iwere land — the Warri Kingdom.

"I chose to wait until this moment to write you this congratulatory message because I wanted you to receive it when you would have time to truly reflect on it, away from the distractions of celebration.

" I woke up this morning with a clear mandate from God to send this message. Though I am nobody in your eyes — you do not know me, we have never met, nor even exchanged greetings from afar — yet I am compelled by the Spirit to reach out to you, just as others have done and, I believe, are still doing.

"Sir, I humbly urge you to let go of any grievances — past and present — and return wholeheartedly to our father, your father, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri. Together, let us rebuild Itsekirimi (Itsekiri land).

David Utseoritsemofe Tonwe

"From my little experience of life, I have learned that everyone destined for greatness faces trials and temptations. However, the strength to forgive and forget turns those trials into stepping stones for a lasting legacy — one that inspires both the good and the flawed in society.

"If I were in Nigeria, I would have come personally to your home to kneel before you and plead with you face-to-face. Please see this open letter as my sincere attempt to reach you — not for public recognition, but because I can no longer remain silent concerning matters that affect all of us. This is the only way I can reach you for now.

"I know you are doing your best, just as others are. But working together is what matters most at this crucial time. We must gather ourselves together if we are to recover quickly and move forward as a people.

" If any of my words sound offensive, I beg you to forgive me and see only the sincerity of my intentions.

"Congratulations once again on your special day, Chief Ayiri Emami. May your new age be filled with wisdom, strength, and renewed purpose for the good of our people."

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