OLU of Warri Ogiame Ikenwoli has passed on, it was learnt last night.
But no palace official was willing to confirm the demise of the foremost traditional ruler until the traditional rites have been complied with.
There was also no statement from the palace.
But sources said he might have joined his ancestors on Sunday night.
“We have not been authorised to speak on such issue”, one palace official contacted, said on Monday.
At markets and other public places in Warri, residents were seen in clusters discussing the issue in hushed tones.
Their mood showed that something untoward had happened but activities around the palace appeared normal.
The Olu celebrated his fifth anniversary on the throne about a few days ago.
Ogiame Ikenwoli was born on March 19, 1955 to Olu Erejuwa II who reigned between 1951 and 1986. Ikenwoli, the 20th Olu of Warri, succeeded his younger brother, Ogiame Atuwatse II, on December 12, 2015 at an elaborate ceremony at Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiri.
Olu of Warri dies after 5th anniversary of alleged COVID-19
by Dele Ogunyemi, Warri
The Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, has joined his ancestors barely one week after the grand finale of his fifth coronation anniversary celebration.
As the news of the passage of the monarch spread on Monday, shops and offices in the Warri royal palace vicinity closed as people were seen in groups discussing the development in hush tones.
One of our sources who would not want his name in print stated that the former General Officer Commanding 6 Division Port Harcourt, Major-General Olu Irefin, whose death about two weeks ago was attributed to COVID-19, was recently received by the Olu of Warri in the royal palace.
Aged 65 years, Ogiame Ikenwoli, ascended the royal stool of Warri Kingdom on 12th December 12, 2015.
Recall that the monarch was lively and did now show signs of illness as he joyfully received well wishers from far and near who paid him royal homage during his fifth coronation anniversary, less than a week ago.

The Nation