The Warri Kingdom has announced plans to confer Ambassage Chieftaincy titles on five notable non-Itsekiri indigenes as part of efforts to deepen inter-ethnic harmony, peaceful coexistence and cooperation among the diverse communities within the kingdom.
The approval was granted by the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, who authorised the appointment of Anthony Akoji of Igala extraction, Ezekiel Oyetakin from Ilaje, Oluwasoji Akinwale of Yoruba origin, Okwudili Ugochukwu representing the Igbo community, and Stephen Amalili from the Igbo Diaspora.
According to the palace, the formal installation ceremony will hold on Saturday, December 20th at the Olu of Warri’s Palace in Ajamimogha, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
A proclamation explained that the newly appointed Ambassage Chiefs are expected to function as bridges between their respective ethnic nationalities and the Itsekiri people.
Their primary role will be to promote mutual understanding, cooperation, accountability and sustained peaceful relations within Warri Kingdom.
The document noted that the appointments followed a clearly defined process, including nominations by the various ethnic groups, endorsements from the nominees’ home traditional rulers, and final approval by the Olu of Warri.
It was further clarified that Ambassage Chiefs are representatives of their ethnic nationalities within Warri Kingdom and are not traditional Chiefs of the kingdom.
They are to operate under the authority of the Olu of Warri, relate with senior Warri chiefs when required, participate in public events and cultural festivities, and remain accountable to both the Olu of Warri and their respective home traditional rulers.
Under the established order of precedence, Ambassage Chiefs rank below the Chiefs of Warri Kingdom. Their tenure is subject to the discretion of the Olu of Warri and may be terminated through recall by their home traditional rulers, voluntary resignation, or loss of confidence by their communities.
Palace sources say the initiative reflects the monarch’s commitment to unity, inclusiveness and peaceful coexistence in Warri Kingdom.
