Olu of Warri Ogiame Atuwatse III

The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, has abolished the traditional title of Ologbotsere in Itsekiri Kingdom.

The monarch announced this at a meeting with the descendants of the Ologbotsere family held at the royal palace in Warri on Tuesday, noting that the head of the Ologbotsere title can only answer to the nickname.

The Ologbotsere descendants at the meeting included the head of the family, Pa Jofotan Oporakun; Secretary General of the family, William L. A. Anukun; Mr. Fred Omaghomi, Besidane Esimaje, Omaghomi, Hon O. J. Nana, and Mr. Samuel B.O. Okorodudu.

Addressing them, the Olu of Warri declared that the erstwhile holder of the Ologbotsere title should no longer be addressed as such across Itsekiri Kingdom and other parts of the world.

“We have taken time to ponder and have arrived at our final decision,” the monarch said, as he called on High Chief Brown Mene to read the royal position.

Mene, while reading the palace resolution, harped on the high regards Ogiame Atuwatse III has for the Ologbotsere descendants, stressing that many of them are titled chiefs of the kingdom.

He explained that abolition of the title of Ologbotsere had not in any way denied the family members of chieftaincy titles in Itsekiri Kingdom.

He said, “The monarch called you because of the respect he has for the Ologbotsere descendants. It is the king that gives chieftaincy titles. It is also the king that withdraws titles. This is the tradition.

“There are several of Ologbotsere children that are chiefs. The Ologbotsere family is very dear to the monarch. There is no Ologbotsere title again. The head of the Ologbotsere title can answer the nickname.

“It is the pronouncement of the king and Itsekiri Nation. There will be peace, blessings in the land.

“There is no Ologbotsere again. Nobody should parade in that title.

“You remember the king dissolved the Council of Chiefs and have been re-admitting and revalidating titles and has also reconstituted the council of Chiefs.”