“Bury Loved Ones In Their Hometowns”, Olu Of Warri Admonishes Subjects

-As Monarch Makes Some Admonitions

Following the latest lifestyle of Itsekiris burying their loved ones anywhere and abridging the traditional rites of passage, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, has admonished his subjects to bury their loved ones in their communities of origin, Warri Sentinel has learnt.

The Warri Monarch made the admonition at a well attended Itsekiri Assembly which held at the Palace of the Olu of Warri on Saturday September 7, in Warri. 

Speaking in Itsekiri language through the chairman of the Warri Council of Chiefs, Chief Oma Eyewuoma, the Ologbotsere of Warri, the monarch said it has become worrisome that Itsekiris no longer visit their hometowns and have either abandoned or abridge the traditional burial rites for a convenient daytime burial which is alien to the Itsekiri culture. Ogiame Atuwatse III, however declared that all burial rites and interment are to be done in any of the hometowns of the deceased.

Part of the admonition gleaned by this Warri Sentinel reporter also discourages conduct of traditional marriages outside the hometown of the bride.

“Marriages according to the Itsekiri native law and customs are encouraged to be done in the hometown of the bride.

In an attempt to encourage Itsekiris to return home to develop their communities, the Olu of Warri made other admonitions, viz; 

“All Itsekiri sons and daughters, Chiefs, politicians, community leaders, captains of industry, and diasporans are enjoined to build houses in their respective communities as prerequisites for chieftaincy titles, recommendations for contracts and other benefits from the Olu’s Palace.

“Owner of companies are encouraged to have an operating office or base in their communities as requirements for recommendations to regulatory agencies and IOCs.

“Gender discrimination has been abolished with immediate effect in Warri kingdom. It takes a man and a woman to birth a child and such seeds are recognized equally in Warri kingdom. No more “children of men” versus “children of women” in Warri kingdom. 

The traditional leader of Warri Kingdom concluded by pledging to commence a transport scheme that will convey Itsekiris to their respective communities no matter how far into the creeks they are.