September 03, (THEWILL) -The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, has revalidated and elevated the Iyatsere of Warri Kingdom, Johnson Amatserunleghe as the most senior chief and traditional prime minister of Iwereland.
Chief Amatserunleghe displaced Ayirimi Emami, who held the title of Ologbotsere of Warri kingdom during the reign of the late Ogiame Ikenwoli.
Atuwatse III on Thursday commenced the revalidation and reconfirmation of the Warri Council of chiefs following a September 1 public notice dissolving the council and other committees in the kingdom.
The exercise took place at Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiris.
The monarch, during the colourful ceremony, placed beads around the neck of the chiefs and handed them swords, signifying their re-admission into the Warri Council of Chiefs.
The Iyatsere, who expressed delight over the new turn of events in the kingdom, said, “I feel very happy because Warri kingdom has come back to its feet.
“In the beginning, Oba Ginuwa, the first Olu of Warri, left Benin kingdom with seventy chiefs to found Warri kingdom in 1480 and Iyatsere Ugbalaka was the first Iyatsere who led the Royal Entourage and he was the original Prime Minister and Chairman Council of Chiefs and the most Senior Chief.
“Today, I have been decorated as the most Senior Chief and traditional Prime Minister, Warri kingdom, so I am happy that Warri kingdom has come back to its feet again.”
The exercise also saw the revalidation of the title of Egogo (mouthpiece) held by Chief Robinson Ariyo.
Other revalidated chiefs include Gabriel Awala, Kofi Kartey, Dr. Roland Oritsejafor, Roli Oritsejafor, Edwin Olley, Solomon Arenyeka, Clement Maleghemi, Eugene Ikomi, Omolubi Newuwumi and Billy Besi Giwa.
Atuwaste lll prayed for each of the chiefs as they were re-admitted. They all paid homage and presented gifts to the traditional ruler.
