Urhobo Chiefs Plead For Monarch’s Release In Okuama Bloodbath

• Urhobo chiefs demand immediate release of detained monarch Clement Ikolo

• Claim Ikolo not connected to communal crisis that led to killing of military personnel

• Urge authorities to bring perpetrators to justice, while clearing monarch’s name

Eko Hot Blog reports that in a fervent appeal amidst the aftermath of the Okuama bloodbath, members of the Traditional Council of Chiefs, Ewu-Urhobo in Delta State, have demanded the immediate release of the detained monarch of Ewu Kingdom, Clement Ikolo.

The council firmly asserts Ikolo’s innocence in the communal crisis that led to the tragic killing of 17 military personnel in the Okuama community last month.

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Eko Hot Blog recalls that Ikolo was one of the eight persons declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters in connection with the incident. Immediately after the publication, Ikolo surrendered himself to the Delta State Police Command and was handed over to the military in Abuja.

In a statement dated March 30 and made available to journalists on Tuesday, the Urhobo chiefs stated, “His Majesty is in no way associated with the ongoing feud between Okoloba and Okuama communities, let alone the tragic killing of military personnel.”

The council highlighted Ikolo’s commitment to resolving conflicts within the kingdom since his ascension to the throne four months ago. “Our monarch, His Royal Majesty Ovie Clement Oghenerukevwe lkolo, the Urhukpe 1, is a peace-loving man who has diligently sought to reconcile the factions within our kingdom since his ascension to the throne four months ago,” the statement read.

Emphasizing Ikolo’s absence from the conflict zone, the chiefs added, “He has not set foot in Okuama community, nor has he visited Ewu, the headquarters of our kingdom, to engage in his royal duties.”

While commiserating with the military and the families of the slain officers, the Urhobo chiefs expressed their desire for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. “We pray that the perpetrators would be brought to book,” the statement affirmed.

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The council’s appeal underscores the need for a thorough investigation and the exoneration of individuals not directly involved in the tragic incident.

As the authorities continue their efforts to maintain law and order, the Urhobo chiefs’ plea seeks to clear the detained monarch’s name and facilitate his release, allowing him to resume his duties as a peacemaker within the kingdom.

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