Wanted Delta monarch surrenders to police, denies involvement in killing of soldiers

The Ovie of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, Urhukpe 1, has surrendered to the Delta state police command following the notice that he has been declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in connection to the killing of 17 military personnel in Okuama community in Ughelli South LGA.

The traditional ruler reportedly gave himself up to Police Commissioner, Olufemi Abaniwonda at about 6:41 pm on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Oghenerukevwe made this known in a press briefing before turning himself in to the police.

The state police spokesman, Bright Edafe, confirmed that the monarch is currently in custody.

HRM Ikolo in his address to the media, said the federal and Delta state governments should constitute an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the killing of the military personnel.

According to the monarch, he decided to surrender himself to the authorities to prove to the Nigerian government and the international community that he has no involvement with those who killed the soldiers in the Okuama community.

This news comes months after the Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, presented him with a staff of office in November of 2023.

It was reported that HRM Ikolo was living in London, United Kingdom, before his selection and crowning as Ovie of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom.