The release of the detained king of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty King Clement Ikolo, has been hailed by Dr. Ovie Ughwanogho as “a welcome development” as the Nigerian Army handed over the monarch to Senator Ede Dafinone, who had intervened on his behalf, at approximately 11 am today. His wife and other family members were present and in high spirits during the military briefing preceding his release.
“Thank you to Senator Ede Dafinone and all others who played a role in his release. No thanks to the Nigerian Army,” remarked Dr. Ughwanogho, the Urhobo-born Infectious Disease Specialist, philanthropist and community leader based in the United States of America.
Earlier this week, Senators Dafinone, Ned Nwoko (Delta North), and Joel Onowakpo-Thomas (Delta South) had met with Major General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, to advocate for the monarch’s release. They argued that King Ikolo was likely unconnected to the crisis that resulted in the deaths of 17 soldiers and civilians in Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government Area.
Following this, Senator Dafinone, accompanied by Senator Ned Nwoko, also visited the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps. They were granted an audience with King Clement Ikolo and were relieved to find him in good health.
The monarch had been in military custody for just over two weeks, assisting with the investigation into the Okuama crisis. He had voluntarily presented himself to the police after being declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on March 14th, 2024, in connection with the incident that claimed several lives, including soldiers and civilians, including women and children.