The longstanding feud between the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and Chief Ayiri Emami, a prominent business figure and chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Delta state, has escalated once again, resulting in tragic consequences. The conflict, rooted in the removal of Emami as the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom following the monarch’s ascension, has deepened divisions within the community, particularly in Okere community, Warri South local government area of Delta state.
Efforts by the monarch to visit Okere community, perceived as a stronghold of Chief Emami, were met with resistance from local youths, leading to a violent altercation that claimed the lives of two individuals and left others injured. The deceased, identified as Macaulay Uku and Daniel Grey, reportedly fell victim to gunfire allegedly discharged by soldiers deployed from 3 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Effurun, Delta state.
Reports suggest that the confrontation stemmed from a dispute over traditional rites, with some youths opposing the monarch’s intention to perform rituals and pour anointing oil on an ancestral shrine, viewed as a violation of established customary practices. Sources described the deceased as innocent bystanders who were fatally shot during the altercation with soldiers.
Despite conflicting accounts, a palace chief emphasized the monarch’s authority over lands and waters in Warri, asserting that his visit should not be resisted within his kingdom. Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of the Barrack, Major A. Ohegbe, acknowledged the heavy security presence during the monarch’s visit but denied knowledge of any shooting incident, attributing the deployment of soldiers to resistance encountered during the visit.
IMAGE: Uhrobo today
