The Concerned Iwere Citizens have condemned as false and malicious recent media reports alleging the involvement of His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, in an arms smuggling plot.
The reports, which claim that an our revered monarch was behind it and being investigated by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in connection with the smuggling of high-grade weapons.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by Elder Tom Tuoyo, the group said the attempt to associate the Olu of Warri with the alleged smuggling was a “reckless and malicious fabrication” designed to tarnish the reputation of the Itsekiri traditional institution.
“His Majesty, the Olu of Warri, has absolutely no connection directly or remotely with the alleged smuggling activities, the procurement of arms, or any supposed plan to instigate unrest,” the statement read.
The Concerned Iwere Citizens described the reports as a direct affront to the dignity of the Itsekiri people, the throne and a provocation intended to sow discord and destabilization within the Warri Kingdom and the wider Nigerian society.
They emphasized that since ascending the throne, Ogiame Atuwatse III has been an advocate for peace, unity, dialogue, and adherence to the rule of law, ushering in what they described as “a new era of hope, renewal, and reconciliation” in Warri and beyond.
“We view with grave concern the deliberate attempts by unscrupulous elements to drag the Olu of Warri and the sacred Warri Kingdom into fabricated crises through baseless allegations,” the statement continued.
The group called on the DSS and other relevant authorities to carry out their investigations with professionalism and ensure that only those genuinely culpable are held responsible, warning against dragging innocent individuals or revered institutions into the matter without credible evidence.
They further urged the media and the general public to exercise caution and responsibility in the dissemination of information, particularly on issues capable of inflaming tensions.
The Concerned Iwere Citizens warned that they would not hesitate to pursue legal action against anyone found to be spreading falsehoods or engaging in character assassination against the Olu of Warri.
“We remain steadfast and united in our commitment to upholding the peace, progress, and dignity of our people. No amount of falsehood, blackmail, or provocation shall derail us from this sacred duty,” the group concluded.
