President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday conveyed his personal condolences to the Itsekiri people of Delta State on the passage of their revered Monarch, Ogiame Atuwatse II, the Olu of Warri, whose transition was formally announced at the weekend.
In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari said the highly respected monarch who will be greatly missed by the Itsekiris, the people of Delta State and all Nigerians.
As they begin the three-month mourning period for their departed traditional ruler, President Buhari urged members of the late Olu’s family and all Itsekiris to be comforted by the knowledge that Ogiame Atuwatse II will always be remembered as a peace-loving monarch who did his best to foster the harmonious co-existence of his people with other ethnic groups in Delta State and Nigeria.
The President further said he believes the late Olu will also be honoured by present and future generations as a most worthy custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Itsekiris, and for the commendable wisdom, sagacity and benevolence which he exhibited in his 28 year reign over the Itsekiri nation.