In April 2021, a designate for the throne as the Olu of Warri was announced; chosen was Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko born in Warri on the 2nd of April, 1984 to the family of Prince Godwin Toritseju Emiko, the late Ogiame Ikenwoli Atuwatse II, and Gladys Durorike Emiko.
Following the designation and according to tradition, Prince Tsola Emiko commenced the traditional 90 days isolation for the King-designate, this rite is called the Idaniken.
However, during the Idaniken, there were several efforts to thwart his coronation, numerous issues arose to this effect causing a royal tussle for position and right as to whom should rightfully ascend the throne.
After the passing away of the 20th Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, in December 2020, disagreement ensued within the royal family for his replacement. As one group supported the emergence of Tsola Emiko, the eldest son of the 19th Olu, Atunwase II; the other, led by the traditional prime minister of the kingdom, Ayiri Emami was against it.
Mr Emami now relieved of his position, filed a suit challenging the succession plant to the throne while Onyowoli Emiko, the eldest son of the 20th Olu, instituted a legal action challenging the emergence of Tsola Emiko as the new king.
According to tradition, in choosing the next king after the passing of the previous, male descendants of the last three Olus converge to select one of them as the next Olu. The heirs of the immediate past Olu are given priority, however where they are found unsuitable, other members of this group are considered.
Hence, Prince Tsola Emiko, the son of the 19th Olu of Warri was selected by the aggregation of the majority and was announced to the people by the Kingmakers in a general gathering.
According to Prince Yemi Emiko, an uncle to the Olu-designate, Prince Tsola was chosen because he was the most qualified- stable character, strong mental capacity, clear understanding of the sensitivities of our people, deep, calculated thought processes, and skillful analytical mind on kingdom matters. “There was simply no serious competition around him this time around”.
As the opposing side continued to kick against it, a hearing began at the Delta State High Court on the 6th of August, on a case challenging his emergence, however the case was adjourned till August 12th for mention. Other challenges were news of Onyowoli Emiko also embarking on Idaniken and the disappearance of the King’s Crown few days to the coronation.
Notwithstanding the trials and setbacks, Prince Tsola Emiko Atunwase III was adorned with a new crown as the Olu of Warri on the 21st of August, 2021. His coronation was graced by thousands of dignitaries in the Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri), the Itsekiri’s in a grand and colorful ceremony at the ancient Palace in Delta State’s Warri South LGA.
Credit: PremiumTimesNg