By Admin 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: The Office of the Sole Representative of the Olu of Warri to the NNPCL/JV Partners has strongly condemned what it describes as a deliberate act of blackmail against His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri.
Speaking at a world press conference, Prince Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema, the Sole Representative, refuted allegations linking a company chaired by the Olu of Warri to oil pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.
“These accusations are not only false but are also a calculated attempt to tarnish the image of a revered monarch who has dedicated his reign to peace, economic progress, and the well-being of his people,” Edema stated.
He emphasized that His Majesty’s leadership has been defined by diplomacy and a commitment to the protection of national assets. “Since ascending the throne, the Olu of Warri has fostered partnerships with key stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, attracting investments and ensuring that Warri remains a beacon of stability,” he added.
According to Edema, the allegations go beyond the monarch and are an insult to the entire Itsekiri Nation, a people with a long-standing history of contributing to Nigeria’s economic development.
“The Itsekiri people have hosted major oil installations for decades, choosing peace and progress over conflict. Accusing us of sabotage is both unjust and unacceptable,” he said.
The representatives of the Warri Kingdom are calling for an immediate retraction of the allegations and urging security agencies to investigate those behind the claims.
“We will not allow misinformation to divide us or undermine the progress made in the Niger Delta. We demand justice and will not rest until the truth is established,” Edema declared.
The office also called on the media to uphold integrity in their reporting. “Journalists must verify facts before publishing damaging allegations. Sensationalism should never take precedence over truth,” the statement added.
The Itsekiri people, Edema concluded, stand firmly behind their monarch. “No amount of blackmail can diminish the leadership of Ogiame Atuwatse III. Lies may be spread, but the truth will always prevail,” he said.
Other key figures present at the press conference included Chief Samuel Omaebeyinje and Ben Eyitemi Eburajolo, the immediate past President of the National Association of Itsekiri Graduates.