HRM Charles Ayemi-Botu, the Pere of Seimbiri Kingdom in Delta State’s Burutu Local Government Area, has died.
Chief Alexander Ebisune, spokesman for the Seimbiri Traditional Council, revealed the monarch’s death during a meeting at Okpokunou, the traditional center of the Seimbiri Kingdom.
He also declared a three-month period of mourning across the Kingdom, beginning January 5, 2023.
During the mourning period, there will be no social activities such as weddings or burials.
According to Ebisune, the monarch will peacefully join his forefathers on October 5, 2023.
He stated that following the mourning period, an official date for the monarch’s funeral will be announced.
The departing monarch was also characterized as a magnificent king who came, saw, and conquered, leaving a trail of extraordinary progress in Seimbiri Kingdom throughout his twenty-nine year reign on the throne, according to the traditional council spokesman.
“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,” Ebisune said.
The late monarch was born on January 18, 1948, at Okpokunou in the then Western Ijaw.
He reigned for 29 years having ascended the throne on April 4, 1995, when he was presented with the Staff of Office by the then Military Administrator of Delta State, Group Captain Ibrahim Kefas, after being crowned in April 2, 1994, in line with the customs and tradition of Seimbiri Kingdom.
He was the first Executive Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Minerals Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON) and Life Patron of the body.
He was aged 75 years and is survived by his wife, Queen Mary Botu, children, grandchildren and many other relatives.