Title: The Sacred Stool Of The Olu Of Warri Must Be Protected

In the face of betrayal, the sacred stool of the Olu of Warri must be defended. This post explores the importance of heritage, unity, and cultural pride in protecting our legacy.

In a time when cultural heritage deserves unwavering protection, it is deeply saddening to witness a son of Warri venture to Switzerland with the aim of dishonoring the sacred stool of the Olu of Warri. This reckless act of betrayal exposes the depths of some individuals’ desperation, showing how far they will go to abandon their dignity and heritage for fleeting rewards. No amount of denial can erase the damage done. When someone cries in the night and a life is lost by dawn, the culprit is often right in front of us.

The Root Cause of Betrayal: Greed and Ambition

What could possibly justify such an act of disgrace? The answer lies in the shameful combination of greed and blind ambition. The Niger Delta, a region long steeped in political struggles, has attracted opportunists ready to exploit internal divisions. In this case, a Warri son betrayed his heritage for an oil surveillance contract. Rather than protecting the honor of his people, he chose to align with forces that have consistently undermined the Warri Kingdom. In doing so, he dragged the sacred stool of the Olu into international disrepute. We must remember: a bird does not forget its nest, just as we should never forget the dignity of our ancestors and their throne.

A Long History of Betrayal for Quick Gains

This betrayal is not an isolated case. For years, individuals driven by ambition have abandoned tradition for the illusion of financial success. To them, the throne has ceased to be a symbol of honor; instead, it is a bargaining chip to be exchanged for wealth, influence, or political leverage. These actions serve only to strengthen external forces that wish to divide and weaken the Warri Kingdom. By publicly undermining the integrity of the Olu’s stool, these individuals provide ammunition to those who seek to sow discord among the Itsekiri people.

The Dire Consequences of Betrayal

The consequences of such betrayal are grave. A throne that is ridiculed publicly loses its authority. A house built on sand cannot stand, and a divided kingdom becomes vulnerable to outside manipulation. History teaches us that those who betray their people for temporary gains are often left forgotten, their fleeting rewards rendered meaningless. What, then, did this individual truly gain? A short-lived contract or a handful of foreign currency? Was it worth the dishonor and the permanent stain on his family’s reputation?

Itsekiri People Must Stand Against Betrayal

The Itsekiri people cannot afford to remain silent in the face of such betrayal. The sacred stool of the Olu of Warri is not a commodity to be sold to the highest bidder. Those who choose to serve external interests at the cost of their heritage must face consequences—both from their people and from history.

Teaching the Younger Generation

It is crucial to pass on the importance of cultural pride, loyalty, and responsibility to the younger generation. The future of the Warri Kingdom will not be secured by those who trade their birthright for personal gain. Rather, it will be preserved by those who defend their heritage with pride. Dignity cannot be bought, and those who fail to recognize this truth will find that ill-gotten wealth is always fleeting. The true value of a person is not measured by what they acquire, but by what they uphold. The legacy of the Olu of Warri is greater than any individual ambition and will endure long after the betrayals of today are forgotten.

Conclusion: Protecting the Legacy of Warri Kingdom

Ultimately, the fate of the Warri Kingdom lies in the hands of its people—those who understand the true worth of their heritage and the responsibility to protect it. While betrayal may seem rewarding in the short term, it is the steadfast commitment to honor, unity, and respect for tradition that guarantees a lasting legacy.

The throne of the Olu of Warri is not just a title to be exchanged, but a symbol of the strength, dignity, and spirit of the Itsekiri people. Let us stand united with pride and resolve to protect what is rightfully ours, ensuring that no fleeting wealth can diminish the eternal glory of our heritage.

By Tidi, a lawyer and former Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council Area, writing from Abuja.