By Austin Ogwuda
A dramatic turn of event took place hours after the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) published the names and pictures of eight persons declared wanted to answer to the killing of 17 military men in Okuama, Delta State, Nigeria, as one of them surfaced from a hideout, declaring his innocence.
He is the Ovie of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, Ughelli South local government area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, Urhukpe 1.
The Ovie who said he was embarrassed and surprised to see his name published as one of the wanted persons surrendered himself to the Delta State Police Command headquarters in Asaba Thursday evening and was received by the Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi.
The monarch before surrendering himself to the Police told a group of journalists from an undisclosed location that he was innocent, denying, any involvement in the killing.
He called on both the Federal and Delta State governments to constitute an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the killing of the military personnel within the Okuama community of his kingdom.
He said that he decided to present himself to the authorities to prove to the Nigerian government and the international community that he had no hand or any connection with those who murdered the soldiers that would warrant including him as one of the wanted persons.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, confirmed that the monarch had surrendered to them (Police) for onward transfer to the Military authorities.
Okuama, an Urhobo community, is one of the over 40 communities under the rulership of the monarch in Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom.
The monarch had been living in London, United Kingdom, before his selection and crowning as Ovie of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom.
He was presented with a staff of office by Delta State governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori in November last year and was purported to be away from his kingdom since his coronation ceremony following a legal tussle arising from his selection to the throne, according to inside sources.
(*Additional report from Leadership)
