Olu of Warri didn’t endorse Tinubu, palace clarifies statement

Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase III, has debunked the news that he has endorsed National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in his bid to become Nigeria’s president.

The Olu of Warri made this known in a statement signed by his Head, Back Office Operations, Oriiz Onuwaje.

According to the statement, the Olu as a father figure is apolitical and does not have a candidate he is supporting for the office of president.

“On the instructions of His Majesty Ogiame Atúwàtse III – The Old of Warri; firmly rebut the statement claiming Ògiame’s endorsement of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and restates that Ogiamệ 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 Ògiame 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. Ogiame is duty-bound to receive and proffer advice and blessings to all those who seek his audience and counsel.

“Therefore, His Majesty Ògiame Atúwàtse III – The Olú 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,” the statement read.