HRM King (Dr) Charles Ayemi-Botu (JP) OFR of the Seimbiri kingdom, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, passed away at 75.
King Ayemi-Botu, born on January 18, 1948, hails from Okpokunou in the then-Western Ijaw.
He ascended the throne on April 4, 1995, receiving the staff of office from the then military administrator of Delta state, Group Captain Ibrahim Kefas (rtd), following his coronation on April 2, 1994, under the customs and traditions of the Seimbiri Kingdom.
A member of the royal family, speaking anonymously to SaharaReporters, confirmed the demise of the first-class monarch, noting his 29-year reign marked by dedication and leadership.
In an official announcement during a meeting of the Seimbiri Traditional Council of Chiefs, Alexander Ebisine, the council’s spokesman, declared a three-month mourning period.
The kingdom, in collective mourning, has suspended social activities such as marriages and burials throughout this period of grief.
Fondly known as the “Lion Of Niger,” HRM Pere Charles Ayemi-Botu peacefully joined his ancestors on October 5, 2023.
His passing leaves a void in the Seimbiri Kingdom and marks the end of an era under his revered leadership.
