By Austin Ogwuda
A strong voice in the Niger Delta struggle and the first Executive Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Minerals Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON), His Royal Majesty, Pere Charles Ayemi-Botu, aka ‘Lion of the Niger’ is dead.
Aged 75, he was the traditional ruler of Seimbiri of Seimbiri kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria.
Spokesman of the Seimbiri Traditional Council of Chiefs, Chief Alexander Ebisine broke the news today at Okpokunou, traditional headquarters of the kingdom during a cross section meeting of the community.
The spokesman in a terse statement said, “On behalf of the SEIMBIRI TRADITIONAL COUNCIL of Chiefs, I wish to officially announce the transition of our most revered Monarch, His Majesty, King (Dr) Charles Ayemi-Botu (JP) OFR, Paramount Ruler of Seimbiri Kingdom to the great beyond to join his ancestors.
“His Majesty, King (Dr) Charles Ayemi-Botu JP, OFR passed on peacefully on October 5, 2023.
“Following the passage of our Monarch, a three month period of mourning has been declared in the Seimbiri Kingdom.
“During this period, there will be no social activities such as marriages and burials etc, throughout the period of mourning”.
He noted that all sons and daughters of Seimbiri Kingdom at home and in the diaspora are in a mourning mood and will remain so until the final burial ceremony is completed.
Ebisine said a condolence register has immediately been opened at the palace and at his residence in Warri describing Pere Charles Ayemi-Botu as an outspoken, courageous and dogged fighter which earned him the title “Lion of the Niger”.
In addition, The Townhall can confirm that the departed king was a Reporter’s delight due to his eloquence and insightful conversations on the Nigerian question.
