Okuama Killings: Wanted Ovie Of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom Surrenders To Police, Claims Innocence

Amidst the controversy surrounding the brutal killing of 17 military personnel in Okuama community, the Ovie of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom in Ughelli South local government area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, Urhukpe 1, has voluntarily surrendered himself to the State Police Command

The monarch, one of the eight individuals declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in connection with the tragic incident, arrived at the Delta State Police Command in Asaba on Thursday evening. He was received by the Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi.

Addressing journalists before presenting himself to the authorities, the monarch vehemently denied any involvement in the heinous act, stressing his condemnation of violence and his commitment to the well-being of humanity. He urged both the federal and Delta State governments to establish an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the tragic incident.

Expressing shock at finding his name on the list of wanted individuals, King Ikolo underscored his unwavering stance against actions that endanger human lives, emphasizing his innocence and readiness to cooperate with law enforcement authorities.

Confirming the surrender of the monarch, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, acknowledged that King Ikolo had voluntarily presented himself for questioning.

Speaking to journalists, King Ikolo stated, “Prior to today, I have always condemned this act, and I will continue to condemn the act because I believe it is wrong. It is not proper. These people who did this act, have committed a crime against humanity.”

Furthermore, he stated, “I usually tune into ARISE to follow the news, and this morning, to the greatest of my surprise, I saw my name on the list of persons wanted in connection with this heinous crime. It is a shock to me because I have no hands in such things, I don’t believe in anything that has got to do with truncating the lives of human beings. I am not in any way, shape, or form, connected to this.”

The Ovie emphasized that since his coronation in November 2023, a legal dispute had hindered his return to his kingdom since his ascension to the throne.

King Ikolo then said, “Like I said earlier, I’m not running away from anybody because I have done no wrong, I have committed no crime. And like I said, I’d rather add value to humanity than take away from humanity. My number is in the public space. I attend functions until recently with all these happenings. Also, I’ve also given a press conference earlier condemning this act. So, I am not in any shape or form running from anywhere. I am available anytime I am called upon. The only thing is that I know that I have committed no crime. I am not in support of what has happened at all.”

Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi