History has shown that those who betray their own people for temporary gain often end up discarded and forgotten, their fleeting rewards rendered meaningless in the end. What, then, did this individual truly gain from his disgraceful mission? A short-term contract? A handful of foreign currency? Was it worth the dishonor, the shame, and the permanent stain on his family’s name?
The Itsekiri people must not, and cannot, remain silent in the face of such betrayal.
The sacred stool of the Olu of Warri is not a commodity to be bartered, nor is it for sale to the highest bidder. Those who choose to serve external interests at the expense of their heritage must face the consequences-both from their people and from history.
The ear that refuses to hear will eventually be struck by thunder, and the consequences of forsaking one’s heritage are not easily erased.
We must also impart to the younger generation the importance of cultural pride, loyalty, and responsibility. The future of Warri Kingdom will not be secured by those who trade their birthright for personal gain but by those who stand firm in defense of their heritage. Dignity cannot be bought, and those who fail to grasp this truth will eventually find that ill-gotten wealth is always fleeting. The true worth of a man is not measured by what he acquires, but by what he upholds. The legacy of the Olu of Warri transcends any individual ambition and will endure long after the betrayals of today are forgotten.
In the end, the fate of Warri Kingdom lies in the hands of its people-those who understand the true value of their heritage and the responsibility to protect it. Betrayal for personal gain may seem tempting in the short term, but it is the unwavering commitment to honor, unity, and respect for tradition that ensures a lasting legacy
In an age when cultural heritage should be fiercely protected, it is utterly disheartening to witness a Warri son embark on a reckless mission to Switzerland-of all places-to publicly disgrace the sacred stool of the Olu of Warri. This audacious betrayal not only exposes the desperation of certain individuals but also lays bare the lengths to which some will go, willing to sell their dignity and forsake their people for a fleeting reward. No amount of denial could obviate what has been done. When someone cried in the night and in the dawn someone died, we need not look further for the culprit.
What could possibly justify such an affront? The answer is as shameful as it is predictable: greed and blind ambition
n. The Niger Delta, long a battleground for control and power, has attracted opportunists eager to exploit internal rifts. In this case, the promise of an oil surveillance contract lured a son of Warri to betray his own heritage. Instead of upholding the dignity of his people, he chose to align himself with those who have always sought to undermine the Warri Kingdom, dragging the revered stool of the Olu into the mud of international scorn. A bird does not forget its nest, and neither should we forget the honor of our people and their sacred throne.The throne of the Olu of Warri is not a mere title to be bartered, but a symbol of the strength, dignity, and spirit of the Itsekiri people. Let us, therefore, stand together with pride and resolve to safeguard what is ours, ensuring that no amount of fleeting wealth can diminish the eternal glory of our heritage.
•Tidi, a lawyer and former Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council Area, writes from Abuja
This betrayal is far from an isolated incident. Over the years, we’ve seen countless individuals-particularly those blinded by ambition-abandon tradition for the illusion of quick financial gain. To them, the throne is no longer a symbol of honor but a bargaining chip to be traded for influence, wealth, or political favors. Such actions only empower external forces eager to see the Warri Kingdom fractured. By publicly attacking the integrity of the Olu’s stool, they provide ammunition to those who wish to see division and discord take root within our community.
The consequences of such betrayal are dire. A throne that is publicly ridiculed loses its authority. A house built on sand cannot stand, and a divided kingdom becomes vulnerable, easily manipulated by outside forces.
