Warri Council of Chiefs has condemned in strong term the alleged circulation of falsehoods about the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
The Council of Chiefs also vowed to unravel those behind attempt to tarnish the image of revered king.
The chiefs made the declaration in a statement read at a press conference on Tuesday at the Olu palace in Warri.
Chief Oma Eyewuoma, the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom and Chairman of the Warri Council of Chiefs read the signed statement on behalf of the chiefs at the palace.
The council described the allegations against the king which emerged on Jan. 31, 2025 on the social media as “a blatant falsehood” aimed at defaming the image of the royal father.
“On Jan. 31, 2025, our sensibilities were grievously assailed and assaulted by the circulation of a very high degree of falsehood which came to our attention, concerning our highly revered king.
“Without any equivocation, we knew it was all a blatant falsehood. We knew too, that all who know our king and there are a very good number of such ones,” the chiefs said.
The council stated further that the claims by the perpetrators were entirely untrue.
“Those who know our king both within and beyond Nigeria can attest to his impeccable character, institutional status and personal conduct
“The falsehood is stemmed from a cesspool of evil and is meant to bring disrepute to a throne that has uphold high moral standards for over 500 years.
“Evil perpetrators often hide in the shadows, but we are already hard on their trail.
“Those responsible will be exposed, and they will face the consequences of their action,” they said.
The council while pledging their unwavering support for the traditional ruler, noted that the Olu of Warri was widely respected both at home and abroad.
The chiefs, however, called urged the Iwere people to remain calm, assuring that the situation was under control.
In attendance were: Chief Eugene Ikomi, the Olulaye of Warri Kingdom and Secretary, Warri Council of Chiefs, Chief Samuel Omebeyinje, the Olugbo of Warri Kingdom and Director, Palace Administration.
Others were: Chief Brown Mene, Ogwa-Olusan of Warri and Chief Anthony Onuwaje, the Otsodi of Warri Kingdom.