Agbodje Raises Alarm Over Alleged Death Of Okuama PG In Military Custody.

By Henry Ubus

The President of Udu Union in the United Kingdom, Olorogun Ovo Agbodje, has joined other Urhobo sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora in calling for the immediate and unconditional release of indigenes of Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State who are allegedly being detained by the Nigerian Army.

In a statement made available to the press, Agbodje decried what he described as the undemocratic and prolonged detention of several Okuama indigenes, including Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, a lecturer at Delta State University, Abraka, alongside other community leaders.

He expressed deep concern that although the courts have ordered the release of the individuals, they remain in military detention. He stressed that such actions constitute a clear violation of their fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.

Agbodje further lamented reports alleging that the President-General of Okuama community, Pa James Achovwuko Oghoroko, who was arrested by the military, has died while in detention. He described the development as “deeply disturbing and profoundly saddening,” and called for a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged death.

According to him, “The continued detention of these individuals without due process is unacceptable and represents a clear infringement on their fundamental rights. Justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done.”

The Udu Union UK President urged Urhobo leaders, stakeholders, and human rights advocates across the globe to intensify their advocacy and engagement to ensure the immediate release of those detained.

He emphasized the need for unity among the Urhobo people and called on relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law and respect human rights in addressing the situation.

Agbodje reaffirmed his commitment to continue speaking out against injustice and to support the cause of fairness, equity, and justice for all affected persons.

He also revealed that on 15 March 2026 he met with members of the Okuama community in Warri, where the President-General and other community representatives narrated the severe hardship they have endured. According to him, they described how the community had been displaced from their ancestral homes, with the entire settlement allegedly razed to the ground, leaving only the Anglican Church standing.

Chief Agbodje further stated that the ultimate authority capable of securing the release of the detained individuals rests with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, and called on the President to urgently intervene in the interest of justice, peace, and national reconciliation.