Date: 2015-12-13

The 20th Olu of Warri, Ikenwoli Gbesimi Emiko 1, was on today crowned in Ode-Itsekiri, Delta State, with several politicians, industrialists, traditional rulers and religious leaders in attendance.

Among those present were the secretary to the government of the federation, David Lawal, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari; leader of the All Progressives Congress, Ahmed Tinubu; Senate president, Bukola Saraki and governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State.

Other dignitaries who attended the event were a former Vice president, Alex Ekwueme; speaker, House of Reps, Yakubu Dogara; the newly-coroneted Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi; minister of state for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu and ex-governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Buhari extolled the virtues of the Itsekiri people, noting that of all those who have returned stolen money, the Itsekiri people remained one of the few ethnic groups not affected.

Buhari urged the new monarch to emulate his predecessor who embraced peace at all times, making sure that all issues were ironed out before they escalated.

"This kind of event sometimes happens once in a decade. We commend the late Olu for the quick resolution of crisis and we are grateful for the peaceful transition."