2023: Olu Of Warri Denies Endorsing Tinubu

The Paramount Ruler of Warri Kingdom, The Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III, has denied endorsing Asiwaju Tinubu for the coming presidential election.

A national daily, yesterday Friday, April 15th published in it’s front page a story with the caption ‘Tinubu, Most Qualified Person To Lead Nigeria – Olu of Warri’

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by Oriiz U Onuwaje, Head, Back Office Operations, Office of Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, the revered traditional ruler rebutted the claim as published by the medium saying he is a father to all with no personal favourite or special interests in any candidate or political party.

The statement reads in full, “On the instructions of His Majesty Atuwatse III – The Olu of Warri, firmly rebut the statement claiming Ogiame’s endorsement of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and restates that Ogiame has no political affiliation or preferred political candidate for any office In the forthcoming 2023 elections be it at the regional, sub-national or national level.

“Ogiame is a father figure to all and has no personal favourite or special interests in any candidate or political party vying for any office in the forthcoming elections one way or another and will therefore not endorse or discredit any candidate to the detriment or advantage of others.

“The headlines credited to Ogiame in the referenced quotes have been taken out of context and reworked to suit a specific narrative. They cannot be further from the truth For an unclear motive. The writer contravenes the Palace’s avowed role of non-partisanship. Ogiame is a father figure to all who have a genuine interest in advancing the course of development of our nation.

“Therefore, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III -The Olu of Warri is using this medium to make this important clarification for the avoidance of doubt and further requesting that in the future, any queries and clarifications on Palace communications should be directed to the Palace media office.”