Sylvester Idowu in Warri and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja
The Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff for their roles in securing the release of His Royal Majesty, King Clement Ikolo, Urhukpe 1, the monarch of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Following the distressing incident at Okuama leading to the detention of King Clement Ikolo, Senator Dafinone engaged tirelessly with relevant authorities to ensure that the monarch was released.
Similarly, the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has expressed appreciation to the military, particularly the Nigerian Army for showing understanding with the release of the monarch.
The Delta Central lawmaker in collaboration with his colleagues, Senators Ned Nwoko (Delta North) and Joel Onowakpo-Thomas (Delta South) interfaced with the military authorities to ensure that the monarch was freed.
Senator Dafinone, in a statement issued in Warri yesterday said, “Today, (yesterday) I commend the swift and decisive actions taken by President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Defence Staff in addressing this matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserved.
“The release of His Royal Majesty, King Clement Ikolo, Urhukpe 1, brings a sense of relief and reassurance to our community. I am deeply grateful to Mr. President, Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and the entire military leadership for their unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens,” he said.
Senator Dafinone, on behalf of the Urhobo nation, thanked his colleagues Senators from Delta North, Senator Ned Nwoko and Delta South, Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas for their invaluable contributions to the release of the king.
“As a staunch advocate for justice and accountability, I pledge my continued support to the efforts aimed at uncovering the truth behind the unfortunate incident and bringing the perpetrators to justice.”
He emphasised the importance of collaboration between government, security agencies, and community leaders to safeguard the peace and stability of our nation.
The Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Thomas, also in a statement issued in Warri, said the release of the monarch remains a major boost in the move to restoration of peace in the area.
He said that the visit of the trio of Senator Representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, Senators Ned Nwoko (Delta North) and himself, Senator Joel-Onowakpo-Thomas (Delta South) and intervention of other stakeholders, paved way for the release of the monarch.
He expressed implicit confidence in the military hierarchy towards amicable resolution of the remote causes of the killing of the 17 officers and soldiers in Okuama Community.
Meanwhile, there was wild jubilation across Delta State yesterday, as news filtered in that the detained monarch of Ewu kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area was released by the military.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, released the detained monarch, His Royal Majesty King Clement Ikolo on the directive of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja.
General Nwachukwu handed over the monarch to the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial district, Senator Dafinone at about 11a.m. with the understanding that the Senator will produce him should the monarch’s attention be needed.
The COAS, in a statement made available to journalists in Warri, said the decision to let go off the monarch was taken after due investigation which revealed that there’s insufficient evidence to indict the embattled king.
