Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, has assured that the State Government would assist in the burial ceremony of the late Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II.

The governor gave the assurance on Wednesday in Asaba when members of Warri Traditional Council visited him to officially inform him of the death of the Itsekiri monarch.

Okowa, who sympathised with the people of Warri Kingdom on the demise of their traditional ruler, said the late Olu brought respect to the throne across the country.

He said: “As a government, we feel very touched especially myself because l was with the Olu two weeks before his death and we had merriment. l sympathise with you because l know it is a huge loss.

“I congratulate the kingdom because you have been able to follow tradition and elected an Olu designate, Prince Godfrey Ikenwole Emiko.

“We will be with you in the process of the final burial of the late Olu and the installation of the new one.

“The late Olu has taken the kingdom to a status where the throne is respected across the country.”

Okowa promised that government would rehabilitate the roads in Ode Itsekiri (the ancestral home of the Itsekiris) within available resources before the installation of the Olu designate.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Chief Issac Jemide, said that they had come to officially inform the governor of the death of the Olu of Warri and election of an Olu designate.

“We will keep you posted from time to time of the arrangements we are making towards his burial and we will need your support.” (NAN)

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