The whereabouts of the traditional ruler of Ewu Kingdom in Delta State, Clement Ikolo, have been unknown for approximately one month since his detention by the Nigerian military, leaving his family and friends distressed.
In a statement released by the Secretary of the Ewu-Urhobo Traditional Council of Chiefs, Abizor Henry, it was mentioned that despite efforts made by the monarch’s legal representative to allow family members to see him, permission was not granted.
The statement also highlighted the unsuccessful attempts of the Traditional Council of Chiefs of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, family members, and friends both in Nigeria and abroad to establish contact with him. This situation has raised questions as to why a person who voluntarily surrendered to the security forces – a move commended by the Chief of Defence Staff – is being isolated from his subjects, family, and friends.
“His lawyer, Ama Etuwewe (SAN), submitted a written request on April 2, 2024, to visit his client accompanied by a family member, but this request has not been approved to date,” the statement read.
Following his self-surrender to the police and subsequent transfer to the military after being declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters in connection to the deaths of 17 military personnel in Okuama community, further details regarding Ikolo’s troubled journey to the throne were shared in Henry’s statement titled “True story of the arrest of monarch of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom over Okuoma killing.”
It was reported that the monarch faced strong opposition from other contenders who believed they had the right to claim the title, despite his nomination being confirmed by the traditional rulers’ committee.
Upon attempting to meet his people at the kingdom’s headquarters weeks before the staff of office ceremony, the monarch was thwarted by armed opposition supporters who had gathered to prevent his entry.
In response to the escalating tensions, the monarch sought police intervention to maintain order, which was met with resistance from the opposition who vandalized police vehicles and those accompanying the monarch.
After a period of seeking medical treatment abroad, the monarch returned to engage in reconciliation efforts between conflicting parties before the tragic incident involving the military personnel occurred.
Upon learning of the massacre, the monarch promptly denounced the act through a press release and called for governmental action to apprehend the perpetrators.
Upon discovering his wanted status through the media without prior notification from security agencies, the monarch took it upon himself to clear his name by surrendering to the Delta State Commissioner of Police for interrogation, subsequently being handed over to the military and transported to Abuja where he has been detained since March 29, 2024,” the statement revealed.
Expressing concerns for the monarch’s well-being, there has been an appeal for his swift release from custody.