The wanted traditional ruler of Ewu kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM Clement Ikolo Oghenerukevwe, has surrendered himself to the police in the state regarding the killing of 17 soldiers in the Okuama Community.

The monarch, along with the president-general of Ewu, Prof Ekpekpo Arthur, and six others, was declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters of the Nigerian Army in connection with the alleged killing of the soldiers.

Though details were scant, it was learned that the monarch held a press conference briefing before presenting himself to the police.

In a statement made during the briefing, the traditional ruler expressed surprise at being named as one of the wanted persons, stating, “I am very surprised that my name as the monarch of the kingdom will appear in the list of wanted persons.”

He vehemently denied any involvement in the killings, emphasizing that such actions go against his principles as a human being and his faith as a Catholic. He called for a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

Furthermore, he revealed ongoing efforts by the state government to reconcile differences between him and his opponents in the kingdom, allowing him to resume his duties as the monarch. However, he lamented that due to the ongoing turmoil, he had not been able to establish any structures or carry out his responsibilities in the kingdom.

“I have barely been able to do anything right now,” he stated. “I have no information; I know nothing. I am only in the process of setting up a structure to enable me to rule in the kingdom.”