Olu of Warri Rescinds Decision to Renounce Title; Reverts to ‘Ogiame’ Title

The Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse II, on Tuesday, bowed to the wish of Itsekiri people and reversed his decision/proclamation of last Wednesday to renounce the 500-year-old kingship name and title of ‘Ogiame’.

After a four-day siege on his palace, which began last Saturday, and protests from youths and subjects of the Itsekiri Kingdom, the King has re-accepted the title of 'Ogiame'. 
Leader of the protesting Itsekiris, Comrade (Prince) Omolubi Newuwumi, confirmed to Vanguard, yesterday, that the siege had been lifted.

Ogiame Atuwatse II, who repented for the name and title of ‘Ogiame’, which he and his ancestors bore over the years, because according to him “it connotes our allegiance to Umalokun and other deities of the sea, which are false gods,” confirmed the repudiation when he stood in front of his palace at about 12.40 pm yesterday, acknowledging cheers and the traditional salutation of Ogiame from his overjoyed subjects.

There was mass jubilation in the kingdom after the repudiation was announced. (See photos below)