World acclaimed Itsekiri historian and Chairman of the respected Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILOT, Pa. J.O.S. Ayomike has disclosed that late Niger Delta hero and foremost Itsekiri leader, Chief Nanna Olomu who fought against British imperialism in the 18th Century was buried July 4 1916 with a giant Diamond ring after he died July 3, 1916 on his Gold plated bed.
Nanna Final Resting Place at the Museum
Pa. Ayomike who led some Itsekiri leaders and selected Journalists to Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area in Delta State on Sunday July 3, 2016 for the Centenary Celebration of the death of Chief Nanna Olomu, noted that the late Niger Delta leader became a Christian while on exile in Accra, Ghana, just as he extended the warm greetings of Prof. Obaro Ikimi, a foremost historian of Nanna and Niger Delta as well as other renowned academics to the oldest grandson of Nanna and Olare-Aja (head) of Koko Community, Chief Victor Nanna.
Curator of Nanna Living History Museum, Koko, Onime O. Wilson who conducted newsmen round the museum, averred that late Chief Nanna Olomu was the only exiled ruler from Niger Delta, including King Jaja of Opobo, Oba Ovonramwen of Benin that returned to Nigeria from Ghana alive before his transition to the world beyond.
In a statement made available exclusively to Fresh Angle International on the Centenary Celebration, President-Elect ‘United’ National Association of Itsekiri Graduates, NAIG, Comrade Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema described late Chief Nanna Olomu as “the richest Niger Deltan in his days.”
According to the NAIG President, late Nanna “was intelligent, a palm oil super-magnate and fighter for justice as well as the only man that the British could not defeat even after deploying four warships.”
NAIG President, Comrade Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema
Edema asserted, “he had a fleet of 200 trade canoes and another 100 war canoes with the ability to muster 20, 000 war boys,” urging “all Itsekiris across the world, especially youths to imbibe the spirit of Chief Nanna Olomu, who was never intimidated by the strength of his enemies.”
Meanwhile, well-known Itsekiri Statesman, Deacon Emeritus S.E Aganbi has described Warri North Local Government Area as “an orphan without a Matron” and berated elected political representatives from the area like Senator James Manager, Hon. Daniel Reyenieju of the House of Representatives and the member representing Warri North Constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Michael Diden for neglecting Koko as well as other parts of Warri North Local Government Area.
Deacon Emeritus S.E Aganbi
Our Correspondent reports that the Executive Director, Planning, Research and Statistics in the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Engr. Victor Wood, Secretary of Itsekiri Leaders of Thought and Chairman of Warri Study Group, Barr. Edward Ekpoko as well as popular Itsekiri heritage activist, Mr. Ameachi Ogbonna were in Pa. Ayomike’s delegation to Koko.
The Curator, Onime O. Wilson presenting a letter from The Director General, National Commission For Museums & Monuments, Abuja to Chief Victor Nanna. 2nd right is Engr. Victor Wood & Mr. Amaechi Ogbonna (extreme right)
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