Photo: The Iyatsere of Warri Kingdom (middle) with other High Chiefs at the Press Conference …on Thursday
By Oluwayemi Davidson, Warri
Arrangements are in top gear to crown the Olu-designate of Warri Kingdom in Delta State, Prince Tsola Emiko, as the 21st Olu of Warri Kingdom on Saturday, the 21st of August, 2021, it was official announced on Thursday.
The Warri Council of Kingmakers made the announcement at a press conference held at the Palace of the Olu of Warri.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the Ciuncil if Kingmakers, the Iyatsere of Warri Kingdom and Acting Chairman of the Olu’s Advisory Council, Chief Johnson Amatserunleghe disclosed that the coronation billed for Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri), is earmarked to be “a colourful ceremony”, beginning with a boat regatta.
The Iyatsere noted that the formal proclamation of Prince Tsola Emiko as the successor to the throne was made at Ode-Itsekiri on April 5, 2021, the same day the passage of the immediate past Olu, His Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli was announced.
He explained that the emergence of Prince Tsola Emiko, the Olu-designate, came after a rigorous process, which included a painstaking search within and amongst the descendants of the last three Olus, as required by tradition, custom and extant laws.
According to him, the process also included several consultation and eventual confirmation by the Ifa Oracle, which is sine qua non in the procedure for selecting successor to the revered stool of the Olu of Warri.
The Iyatsere stated that after due consultation with the Regent, Prince Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh, the Ginuwa I Ruling House, the Council of Chiefs and the Olu-in-Council, “the burial rites for the late King, His Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli will begin on Friday, June 18 with a Commendation Service in Warri, to be followed by traditional burial rites at Ode-Itsekiri, the next day, June 19 while the burial activities will end on Friday, July 2nd, a duration of 14 days”.
“This phase will also bring to a close the mourning period throughout Warri Kingdom”, the Iyatsere said. 
The Warri High Chief then appreciated all Itsekiri sons and daughters, especially those in the Diaspora, for remaining steadfast in the desire to have a peaceful transition.