Okuama Killing: Falana Writes Army, Requests To Meet Ewu- Monarch

By Stephen Asaba-ase

A senior advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana has written to the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa to meet with HRM Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, the embattled traditional ruler of Ewu kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.

Congress news gathered that, the human rights lawyer, Falana had earlier faulted the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) for declaring the traditional ruler, who submitted himself to the police, immediately after the announcement, the police subsequently handed him over to the military.

The Defence Headquarters had declared the Monarch, HRM Clement Ikolo, Prof Ekpekpo Arthur and six (6) others wanted over the heinous killing of 17 military officers by Okuama irate youth in Ewu kingdom of Ughelli South local government area, Delta State.

However, a letter was addressed to CDS Musa on Tuesday by Falana and he said, the Royal Majesty families in Delta are troubled about his safety and well-being as they have not heard from him since, he was handed over to the Army Defence Headquarters.

The letter was signed by Marshal Abubakar of the Falana & Falana Chambers, the human rights lawyer and activist assured commitment in getting justice for the slain soldiers and their families.

“We act as legal team to the family of HRM, King Clement Ikolo Ogbeneruvwe hereinafter our clients and on their express command we write.

“We express our heartfelt condolences to the military officers and the families of the brave soldiers who lost their lives in the needless and brutal attack in Delta State.

“Their death is unfortunate and a great lost to the nation, we are pained in our heart and pray God Almighty to grant the families the fortitude to be the departed souls eternal rest.

“As you may no doubt be aware, His Royal Highness, King Clement Ikolo Ogbeneruvwe (who was declared wanted by military authorities) turned himself in penultimate week to security agents.

“The families are however worried about his safety and where about as they have not been able to access him.

“We hereby humbly request for an audience with our client, HRM, King Clement Ikolo Ogbeneruvwe in the presence of military authorities, personnel or agent (s)

“Whilst assuring you of our commitment in given a helping hand to get justice for the slain soldiers and their families, please accept as usual our kind and warm regards, always”.