The Palace of Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli Godfrey Emiko, has refuted reports of his death, insisting that the monarch was merely indisposed.
A statement issued by the Director of Palace Administration, Chief Clement A. Maleghemi, disclosed that the Olu of Warri was receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital.
The Olu, who celebrated his fifth coronation anniversary on December 12, 2020, was alleged to have taken ill and died shortly after on Monday from COVID-19 complications.
He reportedly met Major General John Irefin, who died from COVID-19 recently.
Recall that a similar scenario played out when the former Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse, passed away in March 2015 as the palace promptly denied his death, saying he was only ill, until the traditional council of chiefs announced his passing two weeks after.
The statement by the palace of the Olu of Warri reads: “The attention of the palace of His Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli, the Olu of Warri, has been drawn to news/social media publication announcing the sudden demise of His Majesty.
“We wish to notify the general public that His Majesty is indisposed and currently receiving medical attention by a team of qualified specialists.”
“Further information on developments would be communicated to the public by the office of the Ologboshere (traditional prime minister) of Warri kingdom, Chief Ayiri Emami.”
