The people of Okpahwa-Evwreni community in the diaspora have thrown their weight behind the demand for an autonomous Okpahwa-Evwreni community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a communique at the end of an emergency meeting of Okpahwa indigenes in diaspora held in Ohio, United State of America signed by Ochuko Efurieta and Omovuaye Akponewhe, Chairman and Secretary respectively, made available to newsmen, they accused Oghenekevwe Kumane, the Ovie of Evwreni of introducing the reign of terror in the community.
The people of Okpahwa-Evwreni community in the diaspora in the communique said that until the king is suspended or removed as recommended by the judicial panel of inquiry into the crisis in the community constituted by the governor of Delta state, the community may not know peace.
They appealed to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to as a matter of urgency implement the white paper recommendation to avoid future occurrences of blood baths in the community, a community known for peaceful cohabitation over these periods of time.
According to them, Oghenekevwe Owin Kumane has allegedly turned the community against itself without any justification, no development adding that strangers can no longer access the community for fear of being attacked.
The Okpawha in diaspora added that the East-West road has become a death trap for motorists and travellers who are daily attacked.
They further alleged that the community has become a den of criminals due to killings in the area by the monarch’s personal vigilante coupled with the police who are helpless.
The Ovie who is facing 10 counts charge of terrorism leading to the death of one Sylvester Adjogbe, is also to face the terrorism and murder charge of Prince Muvi Unagha at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
According to them, they are in bondage as members of the community now continuously live in fear, especially the Okpahwa community.
They also appealed to the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council not to be biased in the affairs of the community stressing that the Okpahwa-Evwreni can no longer tolerate the excesses of Ovie of Evwreni Kingdom.
Evwreni was founded by Evburhu who settled and died in Okpawha-Evwreni.
