By Austin Ogwuda
GOVERNOR Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has expressed surprise that the Ewu Monarch, His Royal Majesty Clement Ikolo, Urukpe 1, is somehow not acquainted with his Okuama community before the unfortunate bloodbath that took place there.
This shocking revelation was made by the governor while receiving the monarch and his wife on a courtesy call at Government House Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria, today (Wednesday).
The governor was then quick to charge him to integrate quickly with his people and get them united as quickly as possible.
His words, “First, I want to congratulate you for your release. God has delivered you. When this incident happened, I told the President General when he called me to go and submit himself to the police.
“I couldn’t reach you. But when you saw your name among those declared wanted, you went and submitted yourself and because you are innocent, you have been released.
“There is nothing to fear. I told the traditional rulers that anyone that connived with the perpetrators of the heinous crime will face the wrath of the law.
“The charge before you today is to put Ewu together. Let your people be united and and you should also unite with them.
“Yes, we made effort, different stakeholders made efforts to make sure that you are released. The role that you need to play now is to put Ewu together.
“I have gone to visit the place. I was told that even you don’t know Okuama. You should know all the villages in your kingdom and unite with them.
“Today, I inaugurated the Ewu IDP camp and as from next week, the camp will be opened. First, is to bring them to the IDP camp and work with the military to see how they can be taken back to their community.
“I want to assure you that the innocent people of your kingdom will not suffer. We will do our best to resettle them but it is a gradual process. So, congratulations and welcome back,” Oborevwori added.
Earlier, the Ewu-Urhobo monarch who was accompanied by members of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council led by the Chairman of the Council and the Orodje of Okpe, HRM, Maj-Gen Felix Mujekpero (rtd.), said he was in Government House, Asaba, to express his profound appreciation to the governor for the role he played towards his release from Military custody.
He, also, applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the immediate past governor of the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and the three Senators from Delta State as well as others for their collective and individual efforts that facilitated his release by the military.
While condemning the tragic Okuama incident that led to the demise of four military officers and 13 soldiers, the monarch reiterated that he knew nothing about the dastardly act, just as he commended his people, the Urhobo nation, Deltans and Nigerians for their prayers and solidarity during his trying moments.