Today ' I renounce our allegiance to Umalokun and other gods of the sea. I also repent for the name and title of 'OGIAME' that my ancestors and i have borne as it connotes allegiance to Umalokun and other deities of the sea, all of which are false.....
That was the bombshell dropped by The Olu Of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase II on September 4th 2013.
As expected there was uproar, protest, hullabaloo etc which almost turned violent. The tradionalists, politicians, palace chiefs all spoke with one voice i.e The Olu Of warri must recant his statement or abdicate his position.
The cyberspace was not left out of this, some criticised the Olu for biting the fingers that fed him while others praised him for having the Charisma to call the bluff of the gods, and also encouraging him for leaving darkness to light.
Almost a week later, The Olu listened to his people, he recanted his statement and pledged once again to the 'UMALOKUN' hence accepting the name OGIAME once more.
As usual, his people were happy, Peace was restored, and everything was back to square one.

Beyond all these: Let ask ourselves some sincere Questions:
1. What was The Olu thinking of when he initially accepted the title OGIAME?
2. When he realised he was on the wrong path, was he supposed to act in that way?
3. Why then did he accept the title OGIAME once more? Is't that the Voice of the people as they say is the voice of God?
4. He recanted his earlier renunciaton. What does that mean? Is he just been a coward? Or Is he confused? Or was he not ready to abdicate? Or.......

Really and truly, this has come and gone but can never be forgotten. It means differently to people, but for a Muslim it means a lot, it's a Lesson he/she should learn from. Many of us are in situations similar to this, in one way or the other, most are just too timid to face the situation squarely, while some just behave like the Olu.
Insha Allah, we will be delving into the Lessons learnt from this issue, hence pointing out the misdoings of the Atuwase II.

1. KNOWLEDGE IS KEY: Most muslims tend to neglect the importance of 'ISLAMIC KNOWLEDGE', some just behave as if they don't care about it. While some are just too lazy to learn it.
That said, Knowledge as prophet Muhammad S.A.W said 'Is compulsory On every male and female muslim'.
Some muslims today regretably indulge in all forms of Shirk, haram etc.
It's not new to see matured muslims who can't perform Janaabah.
It's not new to see muslims who indulge in harams.
It's not new to see muslims who are 'OBAS' in our various states and bear allegiance to the gods.
If you then ask yourself: what is missing? You see that most of them don't have knowledge about it.
It's thus incumbent on all muslims to know about their religion.
Let's commit ourselves to training our young children, let's send them to Islamic schools/ madrasahs, so that they can know Islam. Also, the elderly ones among us should always improve ourselves islamically, let's listen to good islamic lectures, attend islamic gatherings, visit islamic websites e.t.c, because Ignorance is never an excuse in the sight of Allah.
Had it been the Ogiame(whom i think is of christain origin) knew about his religion, he wouldn't have indulged in such 'FALSE' act as he claimed,he would have known earlier that the gods are false, he wouldn't have accepted that 'OGIAME TITLE' in the first place.
That's what knowledge does for you, it lets you know the truth from falsehood,Differentiate Darkness from Light e.t.c.
May Allah help us to be among those that will uphold this vital religious obligation.

2. PRACTICE YOUR DEEN WELL AND NEVER COMPROMISE:
Recently i had a heated conversation with a relative of mine, it was all about the kingship in my hometown some years ago. He told me that then a professor of Arabic/Islamic who lectures at a top federal university in Nigeria(though he is late now,may Allah forgive his shortcomings) wished to be the king then.
I was like WOW what does he need that for? Then he said that he had the agenda of restructuring the kingship there to an islamic type(The Ilorin Prototype).I told my relative then that there's something wrong somewhere. What does a person vast in Islamic knowledge,a professor for that matter,seek in a kingship where all sort of shirks, disobedience to Allah etc take place. Is he not aware of the rituals that takes place before becoming a King. What if Death comes knocking at that time? What if he tries to change this culture that has been existent for long, and not successful? Hmmm. Something is really missing.
That's the bane of muslims today,always trying to compromise in their deen and rarely practise it well.
Allah S.W.T says in Suratul Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse 208.
'O You who believe! Enter perfectly and completely into Islam(by obeying all the rules and regulations of the Islamic religion) and follow not the footsteps of Shaitan (SATAN). Verily! He is to you a plain enemy.



To Be Continued

Many a times, we find ourselves in situations where we think that the only way out is to shift grounds.
Brothers and sisters in Islam, when it comes to Islamic values and teachings, there's no room for compromise.
Let that your fiance/fiancee, boyfriend/girlfriend who's a non-muslim,know that your relationship might just be heading for the rocks, because it's Haram to marry a non-muslim especially for the ladies.
Let that employer who always frustrates you from practising your deen uprightly e.g: Telling you to take away your hijab i.e not even allowing you to put on head tie,
Or threatening you that it's either you indulge in fraudulent transactions or you get fired,
Or doesn't even give you a break to observe your Salat just for 5 minutes, that he can go anywhere he wishes with his/her Job, rather than compromise.
Let's all form the habit of not shifting grounds when our religion is been taken for granted especially if what we are asked to do is Haram.
I know that it's not easy to take that tough but decisive stand.

Had it been that (assuming that the Ogiame had the knowledge of christianity) didn't compromise he wouldn't have put himself in this mess, he wouldn't have thrown his community into Chaos, he wouldn't have brought his reputation into question.
That's why we should all try to practise Islam as supposed and Never compromise.
Compromising never solves the issue, it might make you look favourable to people,It's far away from that, rather it even takes you far away from your Creator, Sustainer i.e Allah S.W.T.
We pray to Almighty Allah S.W.T to make us firm in the religion and be among those that practise its teachings as supposed. AMIN.

3.THE PEOPLE ARE NOT ALWAYS RIGHT:
As creatures of God Almighty,we tend to get swayed easily by what people do. We strive to feel among,hence allowing our environment to dictate the tone for us.
Some of us do certain things, not because it's right/wrong but just that it's a societal norm.
Well, that's what makes us human.
It's good to follow the trend,only when it's good. Yes, you can listen to the people infact it's a must if you're in a leadership position, but know deep inside of you that the People are not always right.
Never accept all you're told hook,line, and sinker. It's not out of place to re-assess whatever it's, if it's good follow it,but if bad then do otherwise.
Some friends, relatives, colleagues, etc are out there to mislead you.
Allah S.W.T says in the holy Qur'an
'And If you obey/follow most of the people on the earth, they will mislead you from the path of Allah'.
Brother, let that your friend who convinces you to watch that football match when it's time for SALAT(Prayer),know that Salat is more important than that mouth-watering classico match.
Sister, let that your friend who tells you that you look uncivilized because you're putting on Hijab, or you decide not to dress as they do(exposing your body) that it's your deen, identity and Life.
Infact, we all face different challenges daily, the pressure is there from all angles, some even say that 'The Voice Of The People Is The Voice of God'.
Yes, the challenges are there to make you stronger, it's there to ascertain how much you appreciate your deen, how much you're ready to sacrifice to propagate it.
Prophet Muhammad S.A.W faced these challenges, his followers faced same, but they were not deterred,rather they did all in their capacity to propagate Islam. Infact, they were promised heaven and earth ranging from Wealth,Fame, infact everything they desired.
They even bargained that Allah should be worshipped in a day, and their gods on another day.
A fair DEAL in their minds
Prophet never listened to their Voices, and Allah S.W.T replied to them appropriately in Suratul Kaafiruun Chapter 109 Verses 1 - 6.

The Olu Of Warri mistakingly listened to his people, (who knows if it was they who convinced him to be king in the first place), he realized his mistakes, but he was afraid to defend it very well, okay it will be a slap on his face if his people start burning and destroying properties all because of him, Then why not abdicate?. Or is't possible to eat your cake and have it.
May Allah make it easy for us to do the right thing and not listen/emulate people who are ready to mislead us. AMIN

4. DON'T BE A MUNAAFIQ (HYPOCRITE):
Allah S.W.T says about the hypocriter in Suratun-Nisaa Chapter 4 Verse 143:
'They are swaying between this and that, belonging either to these nor to those, and he whom Allah sends astray, you will find for him not a way(to the truth of Islam)'.
Nifaaq(Hypocrisy) is widespread, infact it's now a norm in the society. Ranging from the followers, the leaders, of different ideologies indulge in this shameful act. Our various institutions and organizations are not left out. We tend to conceal our true identity, and show people what really we are not.
This has thus led to lack of trust, insincerity, nepotism, corruption, and all sorts of vices.



To Be Continued....

The muslims aren't left out in this,some of our leaders preach what they don't practise, while the followers just accept all without any rethink.
Hypocrisy is a very serious and great sin in the sight of Allah, it's even worse than Kufr (disbelieve). Because a disbeliever's stand and belief is known afore-hand, but an hypocrite can be a muslim in the morning, non-muslim in the afternoon, and a muslim at night.
An hypocrite most at times disbelieves after he has believed, and thus increases in disbelief.

Taking a look at the OBAS and title chiefs especially in most south west states, you see that they are mostly muslims.
These leaders observe the necessary islamic injuctions from Salat, Zakat, Fasting, Hajj etc very well. Infact they play a very crucial role in the islamic activities carried out in their various communities.
The same people indulge in all sort of Shirks, rituals, juju etc, as the culture demands, they are the ones who will support the various festivals, be it masquerede, idol worships, etc and yet proclaim to be muslims.
They are muslims to the muslims, and traditionalists to the tradionalists. They belong to neither this nor that, operating on double standards. What a hypocrisy!!
It's thus a wake up call on all of us to stop this mess, it's now becoming a part of us. Let people know the religion you practise, proclaim it, don't be a double standard person, and never accept any responsibility that can turn you to an hypocrite. Allah S.W.T says in Suratun-Nisaa chapter 4 verse 145 as regards the punishment for hypocrisy:
'Verily, The hypocrites will be in the lowest depth of the fire, no helper will you find for them'.
Hypocrisy is a vice that must be eradicated in our society to enhance progress.
Perhaps that was the greatest undoing of The Olu Of Warri.
How can you proclaim to the whole world that something is false, and then eat up your words.
Is he trying to tell us that he was forced to say that?
Did he mistakenly made those pronouncements?
What example is he laying for his followers and admirers?
Don't he know that, that act of his, could mean any of the following:
1. A public acceptance of those 'FALSE' gods.
2 The gods have never been 'FALSE'
3. His purpoted statement was under pressure, or a mistake.
4. He actually believes in the false 'gods'.

That's the situation we find ourselves in,
The Olu of Warri's travails is an opportunity to learn from his mistakes and make sure, it never happens to us.
It's pathetic, and sorrowful indeed that this happened, but it's gone now, it's a Lesson for us all, and indeed Let He Who Has Ear Hears.

Who did he accept to be God after denouncing the other one?

I like the steps and they are very practical. The excuse many of us have against knowledge is our tight schedules. But things are easier with the smart phones we all have around.

DeTerMination is Key. People just need to be sure they actually want the knowledge first. Practice can then be easy.


May Allah ease our tasks.

deols: Who did he accept to be God after denouncing the other one?

I like the steps and they are very practical. The excuse many of us have against knowledge is our tight schedules. But things are easier with the smart phones we all have around.

DeTerMination is Key. People just need to be sure they actually want the knowledge first. Practice can then be easy.


May Allah ease our tasks.

He said he was a born again christain, and hence Umalokun is false.
Yes, the excuse of having a tight schedule which makes people relunctant to learn is rampant, But should that be the case?
As you rightly pointed out, smartphones can do lots of things for us these days, but with that many aren't making use of it in that respect.

Let me comment first before I read all dis story....

Someone please summarize the story for me.

@OP,,,is no longer olu of warri but olu of itsekiri,,so modify ur topic

The love of money would not allow Olu to abdicate the throne, he well knows that those gods are FALSE but the love of money and royalties he gets would not allow him.

hmmmmmmmm

OLU OF ITSEKIRI AND NOT OLU OF WARRI PLSSSS

Harrisonn: OLU OF ITSEKIRI AND NOT OLU OF WARRI PLSSSS

In other words, are u you then saying the ITSEKIRI are d natives and owners of Warri (just wanna know pls) ?

Whats the lesson is one word?

He should have stuck to his guns and abdicated.

With the position and throne, comes power, money, women, respect and possessions.

Little wonder the bible says " what shall it profit a man to gain the whole world....."

Mark 10.25 "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God"

St_Ichimaro.Gin:


In other words, are u you then saying the ITSEKIRI are d natives and owners of Warri (just wanna know pls) ?

warri south is mainly occupy by the urhobos,,while warri south west and north are mainly occupy by the ijaws and itsekiris so warri as a whole doesnt belong to itsekiri,,thats why they ask them to change their king title from olu of warri to olu of itsekiri

Its irrelevant what our slaves thought OGBOWURU, AFOMASIN, AFOWERETSEWERE, OGIAME ATUWATSE 11 ɪ̣̝̇ƨ̣̣̣̇̇̇̇ †̥ђε̲̣̣̣̥ OLU ⌣̊┈̥-̶̯͡»̶̥Ơ̴̴̴͡F⌣̊┈̥-̶̯͡»̶̥ WARRI. Haters has been nd will always be our tennants till d end of times. People without history nd background must speak.

[b][/b]Who read the whole post? I didn't even read up to 1/2 of it...i stopped 1/4 way...

Evestar200: @OP,,,is no longer olu of warri but olu of itsekiri,,so modify ur topic

If I may ask, who made that pronouncement? From your write up, you must be an Urhobo woman

Sumtin is wrong sumwhere...or hw can sum1 say sumtin & come back 2 eat it up

kunlekuz3: hmmmmmmmm

are u okay at all?

Evestar200: warri south is mainly occupy by the urhobos,,while warri south west and north are mainly occupy by the ijaws and itsekiris so warri as a whole doesnt belong to itsekiri,,thats why they ask them to change their king title from olu of warri to olu of itsekiri

U dont get?


..my simple question is : "WHO ARE THE NATIVES (or first inhabitants ) of d WHOLE of Warri?...
Simple!!

I hope the African/black emancipation happen in my life time...thats all

uote author=Evestar200] warri south is mainly occupy by the urhobos,,while warri south west and north are mainly occupy by the ijaws and itsekiris so warri as a whole doesnt belong to itsekiri,,thats why they ask them to change their king title from olu of warri to olu of itsekiri[/quote] †̥ђε̲̣̣̣̥ URHOBO's aя̩̥̊ε̲̣̣̣̥ our slaves A̶̲̥̅̊₪d̶̲̥̅̊ tennant i̶̲̥̅̊n̶̲̥̅̊ AGBASA, IDIMI USOBO, EKUREDE USOBO, OGUNU A̶̲̥̅̊₪d̶̲̥̅̊ EDJEBA. ITSEKIRI VILLAGES i̶̲̥̅̊n̶̲̥̅̊ WARRI includes UBEJI, EGBOKODO,EKUREDE ITSEKIRI, OMADINO,OBODO,UGBUWANGUE, PESSU,INORIN,KPISAN,USELE,IFIE, IJALLA,GBODEDE,ORERE,AJENETSEMI, ORUGBO, ODOGENE, BIG WARRI amongst others. *Note: Most ⌣̊┈̥-̶̯͡»̶̥Ơ̴̴̴͡F⌣̊┈̥-̶̯͡»̶̥ D̶̲̥̅̊ URHOBO settlers re from ughelli.

†̥ђε̲̣̣̣̥ ITSEKIRI's aя̩̥̊ε̲̣̣̣̥ †̥ђε̲̣̣̣̥ others aя̩̥̊ε̲̣̣̣̥ our slaves nd by abolishment ⌣̊┈̥-̶̯͡»̶̥Ơ̴̴̴͡F⌣̊┈̥-̶̯͡»̶̥ slave trade; tennants

St_Ichimaro.Gin:


U dont get?


..my simple question is : "WHO ARE THE NATIVES (or first inhabitants ) of d WHOLE of Warri?...
Simple!!

@OP Which Olu of Warri? Is there an Olu of Warri? I reside in Warri and I don't know such. And I can bet you that nobody gives a damn if there's really an Olu or whatever here. Majority of our monarchs in Nigeria has lost it. What do I mean by that They are simply too corrupt. They collaborate with politicians to steal money from the public purse and also indulge in other corrupt and illegal practices. Very few monarchs can be picked when mentioning monarchs in Nigeria e.g Oba of Benin

eriegua83: †̥ђε̲̣̣̣̥ ITSEKIRI's aя̩̥̊ε̲̣̣̣̥ †̥ђε̲̣̣̣̥ others aя̩̥̊ε̲̣̣̣̥ our slaves nd by abolishment ⌣̊┈̥-̶̯͡»̶̥Ơ̴̴̴͡F⌣̊┈̥-̶̯͡»̶̥ slave trade; tennants

I think you need history classes cos you're so losing out in that field

@OP I got a big problem about what you posted in the first part of your post. You posted that a muslim girl must marry a muslim man. Glu simply means me being a christian can't marry a muslim girl? If I truly love a muslim girl, I won't be able to marry her because we aren't of the same faith? Is this what religion suppose to promote? Should religion bring us together or differentiate us? Your post got some post of element of hatred? People like you are the ones promoting religious crisis that's going on in this country right now. I mean no offence

The civil resistance to Christianity in China, India and Japan says something about the differential resilience and tenacity of different cultures and peoples to resist foreign assaults on the integrity of their essences.The resistance is of course through the agency of the people and community who protect their institutions.This tenacity of other people's resistance to foreign imposition,no matter how well packaged,contrasts the case of black humanity globally.African communities have proven to be the least loyal to their corporate essences-the integrity of culture,including religion.Africans,both at home and in diaspora,may thus be said to have a high gullibility quotient.We are willing clients to every nonsensical garbage from abroad sold to us.