By Austin Ogwuda
APART from his personal interventions, the Monarch of Ewu-Urhobo, HRM Clement Ikolo Oghenrrukevwe, URHUKPE I, has sent an Open Letter requesting that additional security men, including the Police and Department of State Security, DSS be despatched to his community and neighbouring Edjekota-Ogor community in order to prevent further loss of lives in reprisal attacks.
He is also calling on the Delta State Government to consider constructing an alternative access road for Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, noting that “our current reliance on a single motorable road through Edjekota exposes us to threats of blockade and harassment, rendering our (Ewu) kingdom vulnerable”.
It would be recalled that two persons, Victor Akpojaro and Martins Ekerhare were reportedly killed and many others injured on Monday in a bloody battle over land ownership between Ewu-Urhobo and Edjekota-Ogor community.
The Open Letter reads:
ROYAL PRESS STATEMENT
FROM HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, HRM Clement Ikolo Oghenrrukevwe, URHUKPE I, KING OF EWU-URHOBO KINGDOM
DATE: April 8, 2025
My dear sons and daughters of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, esteemed citizens of Delta State, and fellow Nigerians,
It is with profound sorrow and deep concern that I address you today regarding the unfortunate violent clash between our peaceful subjects from Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area and the Edjekota community of Ogor Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
A longstanding land dispute between two families from our kingdom and Edjekota has been ongoing, despite formal reports to the Nigeria Police about the continued encroachment on our ancestral lands. Regrettably, this matter took a tragic turn yesterday when the police, acting on our reports, attempted to make lawful arrests and prevent further escalation in Edjekota.
Shockingly, they were met with barricades and forced to retreat to Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, where they requested reinforcements. The subsequent arrival of additional police forces led to a violent confrontation, resulting in a heartbreaking loss of lives and critical injuries.
As your King, the pain of this moment weighs heavily on my heart. I strongly believe that no blood of the Urhobo nation or any Delta State citizen should be shed over land disputes or misunderstandings.
I have personally intervened by reaching out to the Nigeria Police, the King of Ogor Kingdom, and local government authorities to de-escalate the situation and seek immediate intervention. I now make a public appeal to His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and His Excellency, Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, to deploy additional security forces, including the Police and DSS, to both communities to prevent further loss of life and reprisal attacks.
Furthermore, I urge the Delta State Government to consider constructing an alternative access road for Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, as our current reliance on a single motorable road through Edjekota exposes us to threats of blockade and harassment, rendering our kingdom vulnerable.
To the people of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, I implore you to remain calm, law-abiding, and refrain from taking the law into your hands. As your King, I assure you that we are working tirelessly with the authorities to bring justice and restore peace.
To the people of Edjekota, let us recognize our shared heritage as children of Delta State and Nigeria. We must prioritize peaceful dialogue over violence and strive for unity and peace in our lands.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may the injured receive swift healing. I will continue to collaborate with the government and relevant authorities to ensure peace is fully restored.
May God bless Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, Delta State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
