By Gabriel Atumeyi
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 were closed as people were seen in groups discussing the development in hush tones.
The late monarch was said to have been in close contact with the former General Officer Commanding 6 Division Port Harcourt, Major-General Olu Irefin, who reportedly died from COVID-19 infection, thereby sparking rumours that the virus was responsible for his death.
He was also reported to have been full of life and without any sign of sickness during the 5th anniversary of his ascension to the throne celebration about a week ago.
Ogiame Ikenwoli, who was 65, ascended the royal stool of Warri Kingdom on December 12, 2015.