In a bid to foster development and promote social cultural events in Iwere land, the Olu of Warri, OgiameAtuwatse III has charged all sons and daughters of Itsekiri land to return and build their Ancestral homelands, especially the riverine areas.
He gave the charge on Saturday in a statement made available to newsmen, noting that Itsekiris had found favor with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration when the Governor, on an inspection tour last week, pledged to complete the abandoned Trans Warri bridge in two years.
The traditional ruler described the development as a symbolic victory for the Itsekiris, saying “the symbolic victory of the bridge connecting us to our ancestral capital, Ode Itsekiri isn’t just meant to make transportation to and from Ode Itsekiri easy, it’s also a clarion call to signify the return of Itsekiri to theirroots.”
He called on all Itsekiri sons and daughters to be “united” and determined to achieve the goal as neither “government,” nor “neighbours who are encroaching” their lands would develop the place for them.
Atuwatse III said he would take the lead by rebuilding “the Ejo Hall in Bateren. After that is done, the land given to Atúwàtse II in Ajudaibo, will be developed, marking his presence in Benin River and EscravosRiver areas, respectively.”
He directed that henceforth those who want to be considered for Chieftaincy titles, or those seeking the blessing and support of the palace will be required to have a house in their village.
Furthermore, he instructed that burial and ‘temotsi’(marriage) rites be conducted in their home community, unless in cases where the deceased gave contrary instructions for his or her funeral.
“Let us be proud of our home, of where our ancestors called home, of where God has given us as our home. Let us be proud to show it off to the whole world,perhaps that’s the motivation that would make us more committed to developing our villages.”
The monarch reaffirmed his position on ‘Otononokeren/Otonobiren’ (discrimination against persons of female lineage) stating, “we will not tolerate discrimination against people because they are of a woman’s lineage. Not only are they welcome to bring development, they are welcome to serve in elders councils and other administrative structures at the community level. We cannot afford to be discriminating against ourselves any longer. We need each other.”
The royal father admonished his subjects that funds meant for development should be utilized towards the development of the communities, and not shared by individuals.
He cautioned against taxing and “collection of deve” as the people are returning to rebuild their homes.
