Court Dismisses Suit Against Olu of Warri Stool, Ordinary Academic Exercise
Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III
Court Dismisses Suit Against Olu of Warri Stool, Ordinary Academic Exercise
*As Itsekiri Protest, Debunk Allegation of Bunkering Against Monarch
A Delta State High Court sitting and presided over by Hon Justice G.B Briki Okolosi in Asaba, on Friday dismissed the suit filed by Prince Oyowoli Emiko, challenging the installation of Ogiame Atuwatse III.
The Court pointed out that the relief of the claimant in the case is premature adding that the claimants thought they could play a fast one but ended shooting himself on the foot just as the court noted that the respondent suit is statute barred.
While delivery the Judgement Justice Okolosi described the suit filed by Prince Oyowoli Emiko, as a mere academic exercise adding that “the grievances of the claimant ought to be presented during the 21 days period provided for by the S.19 of the Traditional rulers council chieftaincy. ”
The Court added that “By doing so, the claimants thought they could play a fast one, but ended up shooting himself on the foot.”
According to the court, the letters of recommendation by the Executive Council, came after the suit was filed and the reliefs of claim in the suit ” is premature. I uphold the preliminary objection of the Applicants and this suit is dismissed in its entirety.
Meanwhile, Itsekiri sons and daughters from all works of life in Warri kingdom came out in their numbers yesterday to protest against the purported claim in a viral video in Switzerland where it was alleged that the Warri monarch , Ogiame Atuwatse III is one of the sponsors of Illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.
Court Dismisses Suit Against Olu of Warri Stool, Ordinary Academic Exercise
The protest which took place at the Olu of Warri Palace (Aghofen) field, had the protesters displaying placards with different inscriptions like,” Our King is not a Bunker, “He has nothing to do with Bunkering Activities, Ogiame Suooo ,”We say No to Itsekiri Bad Leaders”, No more slavery to Itsekiri youths, “Ogiame Atuwatse lll is truly Liberating Warri Kingdom, We are Grateful for your ascension to the throne” among others.
Speaking to some of the protesters, Dr. Felix Omatseye said “He is the son of Ogiame, I am here today because a sacrilege has been committed, Our throne has been insulted by Esimaje Awani and I doubt if he is actually Itsekiri because an Itsekiri son will not insult his Father.”
He said, “There has been a lot of falsehood because, Ogiame throne is one of the most respected. What Awani has done is a sacrilege to the throne, the Itsekiri nation, to the gods and to Almighty God.
“I pray that the spirits of the Almighty God and the gods of the land should rise and deal with him and those supporting him and let the world know that all he said about monarch, Ogiame Atuwatse the III is false.”
Another protester, Madam Laureta Eyeoyibo, said “the reason for the protest is because Esimaje Awani blackmailed our monarch, the Olu of Warri in Switzerland that he is into pipeline vandalization, so we are here for a peaceful protest to say No to that and therefore we call on Esimaje Awani to come and tell the world how our monarch is involved in bunkering.”
Ofeoritse Durthey stated, “Our monarch the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse the III is one of the best monarch in the land, he is on the spot light and we want the world to know that all Esimaje said is false, you cannot be our brother in the day and our enemy at night. We want the world to know that Atuwatse the III has no interest in illegal bunkering and has no interest in it.