The lawmaker representing Ethiope East Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Olorogun Arthur Akpowowo, has dismissed claims that the killing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Vice Chairman of Ethiope East Local Government Area, Mr. Ese Idisi, was politically motivated.
Idisi was killed by yet-to-be-identified gunmen in November 2025, in an incident that occurred on a Friday. The gruesome murder sparked widespread speculation, with some individuals alleging that it was a political assassination linked to activities ahead of upcoming political engagements in the area.
In a exclusive chat with NewsNet Nigeria, Akpowowo said he undertook a personal visit to the late politician’s family compound at Ohgrakpor the following Friday, a week after the incident, to verify facts surrounding the killing.
“I knew Ese Idisi very well. I know his father, his younger brother and his sisters personally. So, I went to visit the family myself and found out what actually transpired,” he stated.
According to the lawmaker, all information available to him points away from any political connection.
“I say in my honour that there is no political linking to his death — no single political linking at all,” Akpowowo declared.
He alleged that some of those who rushed to the media to label the murder a political assassination were, in fact, acting to shield suspects already under investigation by the police.
“Even those who went to the press claiming it was a political assassination were trying to cover up investigation. These same people were the ones who approached the DPO at Isiokoko to ask that suspects be released into their custody for ‘interview’ before returning them to the police,” he said.
Akpowowo insisted that the narrative of political assassination did not originate from within Ethiope East, asserting that the local government area is not known for politically driven violence.
“We don’t kill people in Ethiope East. Those pushing the political assassination story are from outside the area — that’s what they do in their place. We don’t engage in that here. I’ve been around long enough to say that with authority,” he remarked.
While reaffirming confidence in the investigative process, the lawmaker said he would not preempt police efforts, but demanded a thorough probe into the killing.
“All I want is for the police and other law enforcement agents to do their job diligently and unravel the true motive behind the murder of Ese Idisi,” he said.
Akpowowo added that the family of the slain APC chieftain remains available to authorities to support the investigation, stressing that there are known facts surrounding the incident.
“They know themselves; we will not mention names. But if we are not satisfied with how this matter is handled, we reserve the right as private citizens to approach the court and seek an order of mandamus to compel prosecution of those responsible,” he warned.
Reiterating his stance, Akpowowo cautioned against portraying Ethiope East as a hotspot for political killings.
“Ethiope East is not known for political killing. This dangerous narrative is coming from people who assault the law and believe they are above it. They should not label Ethiope East as a political killing field — we are not involved in such things, and they should restrict those labels to their own areas,” he said.
Condoling with the family, Akpowowo described the death of Ese Idisi as a painful loss not only to the bereaved family but to the entire Ethiope East community. He said the late politician was a familiar figure whose dedication to grassroots politics and community engagement would be difficult to forget.
“My heart goes out to the family of Ese Idisi in this moment of deep sorrow. Losing a loved one in such a tragic manner is devastating, and no words can adequately capture the pain they are passing through. I assured the family when I visited that they are not alone and that the people of Ethiope East stand with them in this difficult time,” he said.
The lawmaker further prayed for comfort and strength for the bereaved, particularly the late politician’s parents and siblings, whom he said he knows personally. Akpowowo said the community must rally around the family and support them through the period of grief while also seeking justice for their loss.
“I encouraged them to remain strong and united, trusting that God will grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. We will continue to stand by the family morally and otherwise until the truth surrounding the killing is fully uncovered and justice is served,” he added.
