Governor of Delta State Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has condoled with the Itsekiri nation and the entire people of Delta state over the demise of His Royal Majesty, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, whose death was announced on Saturday.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, Governor Okowa described the late traditional ruler as an icon of international status whose contribution to the development of humanity transcended beyond ethnic barriers.

Okowa who noted that his leadership as the chairman of the Delta State Traditional Council was legendary, said his passage marks the glorious closure of a chapter in tradition and culture of the Itsekiri people.

“The late Olu was a man of integrity whose death has a monumental gap in Nigeria’s traditional institution.”

He noted that the late olu will be missed not only by the people of the Itsekiri nation but the entire Deltans.

He prayed God to grant the departed eternal rest and the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

The governor also congratulated Prince Godfrey Ikenwole Emiko for emerging as the Olu of Warri designate. He expressed satisfaction with the peaceful selection of a successor to Olu’s throne and commended the king makers and the people of Itsekiri for their maturity.

Similarly, Delta All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate in the 2015 elections and Vice Chairman, Standard Alliance Group, Olorogun Otega Emerhor, weekend, eulogised the late Ogiame Atuwatse II.

The APC chieftain in a statement by his Director of Media & Political Communication, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, said the late Atuwatse was a forthright first class monarch who ruled his people and the entire Iwere land with the fear of God and divine wisdom.

Emerhor recalled his brief but exciting interaction with the late monarch when he visited his royal palace during consultations prelude to the April 11 elections, describing it as one of the most inspiring moments of his life.

Emerhor further stated: “Delta APC family is pained by the exit of our dear first class monarch, Ogiame Atuwatse lI, the Olu of Warri.

“The royal father was indeed a role model and a wise ruler who, without fear or favour, ruled his people with great wisdom and high sense of humour.

“Ogiame’s contribution to the development of the Iwere Land, Delta State and the nation will forever be in gold prints.

“We, in APC Delta, express our heartfelt condolences to the good people of Itsekiri nation over the passage of their royal father who attracted substantial development, peace, greater love and unity during his enviable reign.”

In the same token, Emerhor applauded the confirmation of Abiloye Emiko as Olu designate, pointing out that with the choice and subsequent coronation of the new monarch, Itsekiri nation will experience accelerated development as well as occupy greater positions of prominence in Nigeria and all over the world.

He further asserted that Abiloye Emiko is a sound and worthy personality who the ancestors of Itsekiri nation approved to occupy the royal throne at this age and time.

The APC family in Delta State, South- South Nigeria congratulates all sons and daughters of the great Iwere Land worldwide over the unique choice of Abiloye Emiko which would certainly facilitate greater peace, progress and prosperity to Itsekiri nation, the statement added.

•Photo shows late Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse lI.