The Olu of Warri, HRM. Ogiame Ikenwoli has denied the rumors of his proposed conferment of the highest Itsekiri Chieftaincy titles on persons with questionable characters.

The revered monarch made the refutal while speaking during a visit to indigenes of Abigborodo Community in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The Igba of Warri Kingdom, Chief (Mrs.) Rita Lori Ogbebor had written a letter to the revered Warri Monarch, objecting to the proposed installation/conferment of Chieftaincy titles on the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan and billionaire Warri Chief, Ayirim Emami. She warned that the conferment of the Chieftaincy on Dr. Uduaghan will do a lot of harm to the credulity of the Olu.

While noting that he is already being accused of conferring the Ologbotsere, Iyasere and Uwangue titles on some persons with

questionable characters, the Olu of Warri, who spoke in Itsekiri language, disclosed that the rumors allegedly being peddled are all lies, pointing out that he is investigating the names of nominees already with him.

HRM. Ikenwoli also disclosed plans of conferring some illustrious sons and daughters of the Kingdom with various Itsekiri titles apart from the Ologbotsere, Iyatsere and Uwangue titles, while the families of the presumed titles will be informed so that they can in turn nominate three recipients from their families for the conferment of same.

According to the Olu, “I have not discussed the issue of the titles with anybody. The rumor being peddle is all lies.The other titles will conferred on my son, Francis Maku, Chairman of Warri North Local Government Council. I have investigated him and found him to be worthy in character. I will give him the title.”

Earlier in a remark, the Chairman of Abigborodo Community Trust, Mr. Monday Agbeyi appealed to the Olu of Warri to consider indigenes of Abigborodo in his proposed conferment of Iyatsere title in the interest of justice.

Mr. Agbeyi noted that the people of Ologbo community, who are the youngest of Iyatsere, have allegedly monopolized the title for too long whereas they (Abigborodo), who are the eldest, have not benefitted from same.

In his words, “The Olu should nominate anybody from Abigborodo Community for the Iyatsere title. Whoever he gives is not a problem but provided he is from Abigborodo.”