Emami made the call in a statement on Monday after visiting the family of the deceased, describing the killing as senseless, regrettable, and inhumane, particularly as it was carried out by individuals from the same community.
Condemning the act strongly, he lamented that “brothers would resort to violence over minor differences,” warning that such actions only hinder community progress. He urged Ugborodo indigenes to cooperate with security agencies to flush out criminal elements.
In an interview in Akpakpa-Ajudaibo, Ugborodo, Chief Emami expressed outrage at the palace’s alleged actions, saying, “If there are issues in the community, it has always been resolved. I have served two previous Olus and I have always been a community leader. So if there’s an Olu who is harming people, killing his own nationality and Itsekiri people, it’s so sad. And Ekpeyong while doing this is being compensated with a chieftaincy title. What is his pedigree?”
He further revealed that the palace has rewarded Capt. John Deja Okpeyor, one of the accused, with a chieftaincy title despite his history of violent conduct toward the Ugborodo community. “He is a known criminal in this community. He’s into illegal bunkering, vandalisation of pipelines and series of petitions had been written against him,” Emami added.
The APC chieftain emphasised that the vision to fast-track development across Ugborodo Federated Communities must not be derailed by a few individuals with criminal tendencies. “I urge our people to remain calm and allow the police and other law enforcement agencies to investigate the killing and bring the culprits to justice,” he said.
Emami warned that reprisals or actions capable of triggering unrest would worsen the situation. “It will not bring back the dead. Our demand is justice for the deceased and support for the bereaved family,” he added. He further cautioned against any conduct that could undermine ongoing government and stakeholder efforts to bring development to the area, noting that peace and stability are crucial to attracting meaningful progress.
Reassuring the family of his support, Chief Emami identified the alleged killers as Mr. Sheriff Erewa, Mr. Eyinmisan Omatseye, and others affiliated with Capt. John Deja Okpeyor, urging security agencies to act decisively. He stressed that accountability remains the surest path to lasting peace in the community.
