Members of the Traditional Council of Chiefs, Ewu-Urhobo in Delta State, are urging for the immediate release of the detained monarch of Ewu Kingdom, Clement Ikolo.
This comes after the alleged connection of the monarch to the recent communal crisis resulting in the tragic killing of 17 military personnel in the Okuama community of the Ughelli Local Government Area.
In a statement released on March 30 and provided to PUNCH, the council said that the monarch, Clement Ikolo, had no involvement in the ongoing feud between Okoloba and Okuama communities, nor the tragic incident with the military personnel.
Ikolo, one of the eight persons declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters in connection to the killings, voluntarily surrendered himself to the Delta State Police Command shortly after the publication. Subsequently, the police transferred him to the military’s custody.
Expressing shock over Ikolo’s arrest, the council stated the monarch’s commitment to resolving the crisis since assuming the throne four months ago. They clarified that Ikolo had not visited Okuama community or engaged in his royal duties in Ewu, the kingdom’s headquarters.
Additionally, while extending condolences to the military and the families of the slain officers, the council fervently prayed for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.