This was disclosed on Monday 5th April, 2021, bringing to rest the controversy surrounding the death of the monarch.
It was learnt that Chief Atserunleghe officially made the announcement symbolically by breaking three earthen (Native) pots containing white native chalks, one after the other on the floor.
The Chief announced “Alejefun-ooooh” after each occasion and it was accompanied by twenty (20) cannon shots.
It was gathered that traditionally, the twenty cannon shots signified that twenty Olus had reigned over Iwere Land so far.
Meanwhile, he also announced Tsola Emiko as the Olu-designate, which was accompanied by wild ovation from Itsekiri sons and daughters present at the event.
Chief Atserunleghe also said that the Itsekiri people would be in a mourning mood in the next three months till the burial rite of the monarch is concluded.
“All Itsekiri adults both male and female will put their clothes upside down throughout this period of mourning.
“No party, no drumming or merriment of any sort in Itsekiri land, until the burial is over and new Olu Installed,” he said.
But in a swift turn around, the Ologbotsere of Warri, Chief Ayiri Emami, dismissed the emergence of a new Olu of Warri, saying the announcement of Prince Tsola Emiko as Omoba (Olu Designate) is illegal.
