The final burial rites of His Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli commenced on Friday morning, with a commendation and funeral service at the Aghofen, in Warri South council area of Delta state.
The ceremony is scheduled to last for 14 days, with lots of fun fare in Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiri people.
Recall that the late Olu of Warri who has been often described as a “man of peace,” had passed on last December, barely a week after his fifth coronation anniversary.
His death was announced on April 5, this year, followed by the unveiling of his successor, Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko, son of the 19th Olu of Warri.
Renowned gospel preachers, such as former president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Papa Ayo Oritsejafor; Bishop of Church of God Mission, Warri, Curtis Fianu; General overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev. Sam Aboyeji, were present at the ceremony.
The regent of Warri Kingdom, Prince Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh and some members of the Warri Traditional Council of Chiefs were present at the occasion.
The Chiefs include Chief Gabriel Awala, Chief Brown Mene, Chief Dr. C. Ikomi, Chief Roland Oritsejafor, Chief Robinson Ariyo, Chief Kofi Kartey, Chief Michael Odeli among others.
In his biography, which was read by Prince Yemi Emiko, it was noted that Ogiame Ikenwoli ensured the “massive expansion and development” of Ode-Itsekiri.
In a brief sermon, Bishop Fianu harped on the need for everyone to “make good use of their lifetime.”
The sermon was swiftly followed by prayer sessions, for the immediate and extended family of the late royal father, the Itsekiri nation and Nigeria at large.
