Chief Ayirimi Emami Reveals Why He Accepted ACNPN’s Traditional Heritage Award After Years of Declining Honours
WARRI/Nigeria: Politician and businessman, Chief Ayirimi Emami, has disclosed that he declined numerous awards over the years, as he sought to avoid undeserved recognition. However, he accepted the honour bestowed upon him by the Delta State chapter of the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN) because it was connected to tradition—a cause close to his heart.
Speaking on Monday evening at his grand residence in Egbokodo, Warri, where the ACNPN awarded him the title of “Prime Promoter and Protector of Itsekiri Traditional Heritage,” Chief Emami explained his change of heart.
“I have turned down many awards in the past, but when I was informed that this particular award relates to tradition, I agreed to receive it, especially because the word ‘community’ is part of the association’s name, which is my constituency,” he remarked. Emami further underscored the importance of maintaining the authenticity of traditional institutions, stating: “The Ologbotsere represents the Omajaja, and I am the head of the Omajaja, which makes me the Ologbotsere. Our institutions must be preserved as they were left by our forefathers, without being influenced by modernity or money.”
During his address, Chief Emami expressed support for the push to assign constitutional roles to traditional rulers, highlighting their integral role in grassroots governance. “Traditional rulers are closest to the community. If they remain honest, the community will flourish. But if a ruler supports illegality or a publisher circulates falsehoods, they are destroying the community,” he warned.
He also emphasised the need for traditional institutions to resist external pressures that could compromise their integrity. “Before government structures were in place, the traditional institutions were the ones interacting with locals and even the White men. If you undermine these institutions today, you are endangering the future of your kingdom and community.”
Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Chief Emami dedicated the award to “Almighty God, our good ancestors, and all descendants of the Ologbotsere dynasty.” He assured that the honour would inspire him to continue promoting and protecting the culture and traditions of the Itsekiri people.
In his earlier remarks, Comrade Jude Obiemenyego, Chairman of ACNPN’s Delta State Council, praised Chief Emami for his commitment to preserving Itsekiri tradition and his significant contributions to youth empowerment. “You have done so much in promoting and protecting tradition not only in Delta but across Nigeria. We hope you continue to advocate for traditional institutions to have a firm place in our country,” Obiemenyego said.
Among the notable figures present at the event were Chief Mike Odeli, Engr. Tuoyo Omatsuli, Barr. Richard Omare, and Mr. Alex Eyengho, all of whom joined in celebrating Chief Emami’s contributions to Itsekiri heritage and community development.
