…urges military to conduct thorough investigations.
General Ejiwealth Emareyo, a philanthropist from Delta State, has praised Senator Ede Dafinone and his colleagues, Senators Ned Nwoko and Joel Onovwakpo-Thomas, for their efforts in securing the release of the King of Ewu Kingdom, HRM Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo. The King was detained by the military in connection with the killing of 17 military officers on March 14, 2024, in Okuama-Ewu, a community under his kingship jurisdiction.
General Emareyo particularly expressed gratitude to Senator Dafinone for his bold leadership and fearless representation, which led to the release of the revered Urhobo monarch. He also commended the Senator for undertaking a surety guaranteeing the King’s availability for further investigation.
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In a personally signed statement, General Emareyo said, “I wholeheartedly extend my unreserved appreciation to Senator Ede Dafinone for his tireless efforts in ensuring the release of the King of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, Clement Ikolo. This commendation is necessary because it takes a leader with a brave and bold heart to stand up for his people, especially in delicate security issues like this.”
General Emareyo criticized the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for taking over a month to visit the affected community, describing it as “negligent” and “insensitive.” He questioned why the Governor, as the Chief Security Officer of the State, would take so long to access a community under his leadership, especially when it had been “wiped off and cordoned” by the military.
General Emareyo also expressed sympathy for the innocent civilians who lost their lives or were displaced due to the crisis. He urged the military to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the true perpetrators and ascertain the remote causes of the communal crisis.
Furthermore, he advised the King and traditional interest groups in Urhobo nation to remain apolitical and resist self-imposition on their people, as it goes against the culture and traditions of Urhobo land.
In conclusion, General Emareyo commended the released Delta monarch and urged him to stay away from party politics and resist temptation from politicians to impose their will on the people.
