Delta Traditional Rulers Commend Release of Monarch from Military Detention

The Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers has praised President Bola Tinubu, the Military High Command, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Delta State Senators for the release of Clement Ikolo, the traditional ruler of Ewu-Urhobo, from military detention. Ikolo was detained following the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Area, Delta State, on March 14, 2024.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, stated that he and two other Delta State Senators, Ned Nwoko and Ede Dafinone, visited the Chief of Defence Staff to appeal for the release of the detained traditional ruler. They also discussed how to restore peace in the troubled Okuama community and ensure the return of community members who had fled. "We expressed our condolences to the military and the families of the soldiers who were killed, and called for calm and the avoidance of any crisis that could lead to the killing of security officers in the state," Senator Thomas said.

After 22 days in detention, the Nigerian Army released Ikolo, who had surrendered himself to the Nigerian Police in Delta state and was flown to Abuja for further questioning. Ikolo had expressed shock at being named among the list of persons declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters, stating that he had no involvement in the incident and had not been able to access his kingdom even as a monarch.

Senator Ede Dafinone, representing the Delta Central Senatorial District, engaged with relevant authorities to secure Ikolo's release. Dafinone expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Chief of Army Staff for their roles in the matter. "The release of the monarch brings a sense of relief and reassurance to the community, and I pledge my continued support to uncover the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice," Dafinone said.

Why this matters: The release of the Ewu-Urhobo monarch from military detention highlights the importance of collaboration between the government, security agencies, and community leaders in maintaining peace and stability in Nigeria. The incident underscores the need for thorough investigations and due process in addressing security challenges while ensuring the rights and well-being of all citizens, including traditional rulers.

The Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers Chairman, Major-General Felix Mujakpuero (Rtd), praised the efforts of the three Delta Senators who visited the military authority and the detained monarch. The council also lauded the state government for resolving a long-standing boundary dispute between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities. The monarchs pledged their support for continued peace and security in Delta State and appreciated the military's understanding in releasing the monarch, which was seen as a major boost in the move to restore peace in the area.

Key Takeaways

• Delta monarchs praise Tinubu, the military for releasing detained Ewu-Urhobo ruler Ikolo.
• Delta senators engaged with authorities to secure Ikolo's release after 22 days in detention.
• Ikolo had surrendered to police, denying involvement in killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama.
• Release of monarch seen as boost to restore peace in the area, per Delta traditional rulers.
• Incident highlights need for collaboration between govt, security, and community leaders on security.