In response to allegations linking him to the murder of 17 military personnel in Okuama, the Ovie of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, Urhukpe 1, surrendered himself to the Delta State Police Command.
The monarch, one of eight individuals declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters in connection to the incident, presented himself at the police headquarters in Asaba, where he was received by Commissioner of Police Abaniwonda Olufemi. Ikolo, who had been residing in London before his ascension to the throne, refuted any involvement in the soldiers' killing and urged for an independent inquiry by federal and state governments.
Despite legal disputes over his selection as monarch, he emphasized his innocence and desire to cooperate with authorities to clear his name.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the monarch's surrender. Okuama, part of the Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, falls under Ikolo's jurisdiction, comprising over 40 communities.
The surrender marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the tragic incident.
