The Delta State government on Tuesday broke its silence on the developments surrounding the death and subsequent selection of a successor for Ogiame Ikenwoli who reportedly passed on in December 2020.
The government did not only claim ignorance of the controversies in Itsekiriland over the passage of the royal father but, also toed the line of “laid down rules/tradition” for the selection of the successor to the throne.
Speaking Tuesday after the State Executive Council meeting presided by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in Asaba, the State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said the government was unaware of Ikenwoli’s passage and the selection of a successor.
Anaigwu said, “Each community in Delta State has laid down rules/tradition and ruling houses; so Itsekiri will not be different.
“The Delta State Government has not been informed that the Olu of Warri has passed away. For us, we are not aware that Olu of Warri has died.
“To us, there’s no controversy because we were not informed. The issue of the Olu of Warri is the same thing to all the communities.
“When a king dies, the community will write to the government, which will do all that is necessary for the purpose of a smooth transition.
“It is not entirely the issue of once the father dies, the son takes over.”