A group, Iwere Integrity Group (IIG), has said the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, is only ill and not dead, as was speculated last weekend.
The group decried the spread of what it called false information on the monarch’s health.
The IIG, which comprises princes, princesses and prominent Itsekiri leaders, promised to be open about the monarch’s health to avoid further rumour-mongering.
In a statement by its Chairman and Secretary, Moses Fregene and Francis Ariyo, IIG said: “We admit that His Majesty (Ogiame II) has some issues with his health. All we need do is pray for his quick recovery.
“We promise to let you know, through the Warri Traditional Council, should his condition improve or deteriorate.”
IIG restated its commitment to upholding the uprightness of the Itsekiri, “who have been organised under one tongue and crown for over 500 years”.
But the group’s reaffirmed its commitment to “the promotion of every strand of the custom and tradition of our people and will do everything lawful to guarantee the rule of Itsekiri customary practice and procedure”.
The monarch, a lawyer, ascended the throne on April 2, 1987.
His coronation was the last public event attended by the late Yoruba sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo
The Nation