The Royal father and Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 11 is meeting with resentments from his subjects as a result of his insistence on expunging the 'Ogiame' from his title. He claims it is traditionally associated with a 'River Goddess', attempting to dissociate himself from age-long traditions. Some of his High Chiefs, Masquerades, and Town Youths have laid siege at his Palace, in protest. The Olu of Warri has declared himself Born-Again, and also renounced the Itshekiri National Anthem. The air in Warri is so tense that the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has left his Asaba base to relocate temporarily to Warri, in order to call a truce between the Oba and his subjects. Up to 40 members of the Royal Family have come out to dissociate themselves from the statement of the Royal Father. They claim that Ogiame means King of the Rivers, and that historically when Prince Ginuwa left Benin in 1480 to become the first monarch in Warri, he was directed by his father, Olua (The then Oba of Benin) to go forth and Rule and Reign over all the Rivers, and in effect the people. The title has survived for 500 years.
- Dis na case of...Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.
- The best option for dis man is to abdicate the throne as the OLU, and go and practise his religion.
- Dis na real CROSSROADS!!! Bcos Warri people na ogbonge OPO people. How you wan change dem?
- I thought the Oba was supposed to be d CUSTODIAN of Culture?
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