Ayiri Emami, the allegedly suspended Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, has denied being involved in the invasion of the palace of Olu of Warri last Thursday by some persons.
Emami, who is the traditional prime minister of the Olu palace, made the denial on Friday at the Zone 5 police headquarters in Benin City.
The Ologbotsere was at the Zone 5 police headquarters to honour the Assistant Inspector-General of Police invitation in a petition over the alleged invasion of the Olu palace, burglary, stealing and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after meeting with the AIG, Ayiri denied any involvement in the invasion of the palace, saying he wasn’t around when the incident took place.
“I was actually invited based on the incident in Warri. It happened to be the invasion of the Olu palace. I told them I know nothing about it because I wasn’t in town when the incident happened.
“I am not the one that reported this incident here, they reported it. I was invited and I have given my statement. So, it’s left for the police to act not me,” he said.
The traditional prime minister said the kingship crisis is not about him but about the laid down rules and regulations of the ascension to the throne.
“As a person, Ayiri Emami cannot say he is not in support of the Olu-designate. We have laid down rules and procedures that the Itsekiri normally operates on. It has nothing to do with my personal self. The person in question is my brother and friend; so, I have no personal issue when you say Ayiri is not in support.
“Whatever we are doing as an Itsekiri, there are laid down procedures and that is what I am trying to do. So, it’s not that I am not in support of whatever they are doing.
“One of the issues why I am here is the laid down procedures, and the police have actually questioned me on what led to the invasion.”
“But if the people of Warri kingdom are happy, I am happy too as a custodian of the kingdom. I don’t have issues with anybody; if they feel they are happy; then mine is to keep the heritage,” he added.
He however, disclosed that talks are ongoing to ensure that peace returns to the kingdom.
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