ASABA/Nigeria: The Senator representing Delta Central in the 10th Senate, Senator Ede Dafinone, has assured the Urhobo people that his office and key Urhobo stakeholders are actively engaging with military authorities to secure the release of Ewu-Okuama leaders held in custody for nearly a year.
Recall that Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, the President General of the Okuama Community, Pa James Oghoroko, Treasurer Pa Dennis Okugbaye, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, and Mrs. Rita Akata were arrested by the military between August 18 and 20, 2024. They were detained over alleged involvement in the killing of 17 soldiers reportedly on a peace mission to the Okuama community, only Dennis Okugbaye was released after rumours of his death in detention.
Speaking on Crown FM, Effurun in a programme monitored by our correspondent, Dafinone condemned the continued detention of the Okuama leaders without formal charges. He joined other prominent Urhobos in demanding their unconditional release or immediate arraignment before a court of competent jurisdiction.
“Efforts to secure the release of our people have been ongoing. This is not just my office’s work but also that of senior Urhobo leaders in Delta and abroad, committed to ensuring these individuals are released or charged openly. The families are in constant touch with me, and we are guiding them while they support our initiatives,” he said.
“I can confirm that my office is in regular contact with both the Nigerian Army and the justice system. Our goal is simple: to free our people from detention. Sadly, one detainee has died in custody, and we are pressing for the release of his body for proper burial. This matter remains on the table, and we are exploring all avenues to bring the rest home.”
The Senator stressed that no anniversary should pass without resolution, insisting no one should be held for a year without trial. He added that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other Urhobo leaders are also fully engaged, warning against politicising the plight of the Okuama detainees.
Dafinone also revealed that his office, the Governor, and national legislators from Delta Central are pushing for urgent repairs on the Benin/Sapele/Effurun Highway. He said he has been in constant touch with the Minister of Works, with work already underway on some sections from Koko Junction to Effurun Roundabout.
On the economy, the Senator voiced optimism that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tough policy decisions would soon yield results.
“On the economic front, our goal is to improve the capacity of our people to pay bills, buy land, build homes, and own assets. I commend President Tinubu for taking decisions others avoided, removing fuel subsidies and adjusting the foreign exchange system. While the pain is real, these reforms are necessary to re-engineer the economy,” he said.
He noted early signs of progress, including a drop in the price of rice from about ₦100,000 late last year to around ₦70,000. “It’s still high but moving in the right direction, with further adjustments expected as the government closely monitors the situation,” he added.
Dafinone urged Delta Central residents to continue supporting President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori’s Renewed Hope and MORE Agenda, expressing confidence that with the state aligned to national politics, greater development lies ahead.
