Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for showing understanding, as the detained monarch of Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty King Clement Ikolo, regains freedom.
Speaking to our correspondent in Warri, immediately after the release of the monarch, Senator Joel-Onowakpo, 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 the way for the release of the monarch.
He expressed implicit confidence in the military hierarchy towards amicable resolution of remote causes of the killing of the 17 officers and soldiers in Okuama Community.
It was gathered that the monarch was released to Senator Ede Dafinone by the military authority at about 11am today (19th April, 2024),with understanding that the senator will make the king available should his attention be needed.
The Monarch who is in good spirit, according to impeccable sources, was surrounded by his wife and other family members as during the military briefing of journalists before his release.
It would be recalled that three Delta senators on Tuesday, had met with the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Christopher Musa, seeking the release of the monarch, whom they believe may not be connected to the crisis that claimed the lives of the soldiers and some civilians.
The King was one of those declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on March 14th 2024 in the aftermath of the Okuama crisis leading to the death of soldiers and civilians including women and children and he submitted himself to the police to assist in the investigation.
