Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council, UTRC, has demanded the immediate release of Okuama leaders detained by the Nigerian Army for over a year.
UTRC, also known as Ukoko R’ Ivie Urhobo, while calling on the Federal Government to facilitate the release of the Okuama leaders, equally solicited the intervention of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, in the matter.
This plea was made by the the chairman of the UTRC, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Dr Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1, while donating food items to the people of Okuama community, in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Flanked by other traditional rulers, including the Vice chairman, HRM Solomon Onojeta, Okunkeren III, the Ovie of Arhawarien Kingdom, the spokesman, HRM Obukowho Whiskey Udurhie I, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom and the Treasurer HRM Noble Eshemitan Ovie of Oghara Kingdom Orefe III, Sideso emphasized the need for continuous peace in Okuama and neighboring communities.
On behalf of the group, he presented 500 tubers of yam, 15 bags of rice, and 5 rams to support the community which is still recovering from the trauma of recent invasion by men of the Nigerian Army who were on a reprisal attack over the killing of their colleagues in the community.
Sideso said the Urhobo monarchs acknowledged the hardships faced by Okuama residents and expressed hope that the festive season would bring joy to them and other Urhobo families.
In response to the Okuama President General’s request for school furniture for a newly built school, the monarch assured that the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education would provide desks and chairs.
The Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, HRM Obukowho Whiskey Udurhie I also urged the Okuama representatives to distribute the food items fairly and to maintain peace.
President General of Okuama , Mr. Emmanuel Okrikira expressed gratitude to the Urhobo traditional rulers for their support and pledged to ensure that everyone in the community receives aid.
He further appealed to Governor Oborevwori to expedite the release of their detained leaders and provide the necessary school furniture.
