Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the Olu of Warri, Prince Yemi Emiko, clarified this on Tuesday.

The wanted princes are sons of demised Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli.

Emiko said the issue of missing crowns is a criminal matter, which requires the police to do their jobs.

The Police Criminal Investigation Department, Zone ‘5’ Headquarters in Benin city, Edo state, on Monday declared the princes wanted for allegedly “breaking into the secret apartment of the Olu of Warri and stealing” the centuries-old crowns.

Prince Emiko, who is uncle to the Olu-designate, ‘Tsola Emiko and the “wanted princes”, pointed out they may not have been declared wanted if they had honoured an invitation by the police.

He stated that the missing crowns and other royal artifacts are under the care of the palace authorities, including the traditional chiefs, hence the need for the matter to be thoroughly investigated.

“They (unknown persons) broke into the strong room and stole the crowns and some other royal artifacts. We went to the police to say this is what we have seen and a lot of persons were invited. I was invited.

“If there are some persons the police invited and they refused to go… We are not the ones to teach the police their job. The palace has no hand in the matter.

“I believe maybe if they show up and are interrogated like some of us, they (police) would let them go. This is a criminal matter,” he said.