Murder of Onuwaje: We won’t accept prime suspect’s return, until justice is served – Ugborodo Community

People of Ugborodo Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, say they would not accept the return of a prominent indigene of the community back home, until all those responsible for the murder of Emiko Onuwaje face justice, saying some highly placed people are trying to bring back the mastermind of Onuwaje’s brutal murder.

They handed down the demand Monday December 22, during a peaceful protest at Ogidigben in Ugborodo Federated Communities of Warri Federal Constituency.

Clad in all-black, the aggrieved Ugborodo indigenes, marched through several streets in Ogidigben, singing solemn songs and brandishing leaves.

The Vice Chairman of Ugborodo Community Management Committee, UCMC, who doubles as the Spokesperson, Ogidigben Community Council of Elders, Austin Ajuremisan, told newsmen that there was no way justice would come, without bringing the culprit to book.

Ajuremisan, who accused a new traditional chief in Warri kingdom (name withheld) of masterminding the controversial murder of Emiko Onuwaje, said whenever anyone attempts to challenge the chief for purportedly indulging in illegal activities, such person would be accused of fighting Palace of the Olu of Warri.

Secretary, Ugborodo Community Management Committee, UCMC, Mr. Eyengho Samuel Besidone, in an interview with newsmen, during the procession, alleged that the said prominent Ugborodo indigene, identified simply as Daje, has been terrorizing the community for years, “backed by highly placed person.”

Mr. Eyengho Samuel Besidone (middle) addressing newsmen at Ogidigben

Eyengho, stated: “The man (Emiko Onuwaje) killed, has children and family, the killing is purely murder, not community differences. When the armed men invaded our community, we thought they were bandits, only to see some of our brothers, claiming to fight for palace.

“In Ugborodo, we don't bow before the Olu of Warri, we are aboriginal community. For decades, past Olu of Warri, didn't try to impose themselves on Ugborodo people. We are calling on the federal government and security agencies, to do the needful. The dead is crying for justice and justice must be served.”

Eghare-Daniel Uwawah, addressing newsmen

The Eghare - Aja of Ugborodo, Eghare Daniel Uwawah, on his part, begged the police and Navy to do justice to the killers of Emiko Onuwaje.

 Whilst noting that he hadn’t been properly briefed, Eghare Uwawah, stated that from what he gathered, it was when some Ugborodo indigenes, including the late Emiko Onuwaje, were on their way to Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC in Ogidigben for a peaceful protest, that they were allegedly attacked, leading to Onuwaje’s death.

Prominent Itsekiri leader, Chief Ayirimi Emami, who was in grief, asserted: “My pipeline surveillance company, had written several petitions against the prime suspect, who does illegal bunkering activities. Whenever you tell him to retrace his footsteps, they will say you are fighting the palace, as if the palace is aiding criminality. Does the palace send people to protest or partake in criminal activities?

Chief Ayirimi Emami, speaking to newsmen

“The President is against illegal possession of fire arms, once they find out it's not Ayiri, nobody wants to act. One of the boys caught, has made confessional statements in view of the murder of Emiko Onuwaje.”

A cross section of some Ugborodo indigenes, during the solemn procession

×