The Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Barr. Jaro Egbo, has commiserated with the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Evang. Wilson Ojakovo Oharisi III, over the gruesome murder of Prince Djesa Oharisi, describing the incident as a tragic loss not only to the royal family but to the entire Ughelli Kingdom.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the Ughelli royal palace on Monday, Egbo said the council and people of Ughelli North were deeply pained by the killing, noting that the act was carried out in cold blood by yet-to-be-identified persons.
“This is a very painful and unfortunate incident for all of us. The death of a prince of the kingdom is something that touches the heart of the entire community, and we share in the grief of His Royal Majesty and the royal family.”
He stressed that Ughelli Kingdom is not at war with any neighbouring community or group, and condemned the activities of individuals who resort to violence under the guise of cultism.
Egbo warned that the local government would not tolerate cult-related activities within Ughelli North, assuring that those found to be involved would be dealt with decisively in line with the law.
He disclosed that security agencies had already made arrests in connection with criminal activities in the area and that investigations into the murder were ongoing.
While clarifying that no curfew had been declared in Ughelli by the palace, the local government, state or federal authority, the council chairman said, “there is no curfew in Ughelli, and law-abiding residents should go about their legitimate activities without fear” and cautioned security agencies against the harassment of innocent citizens under false claims of enforcing a curfew.
The council chairman described Ughelli as a strategic hub linking the South-East, South-South, and South-West regions, and warned against any attempt by individuals, whether in uniform or otherwise, to undermine the authority and sanctity of the Ughelli palace.
He urged parents, community leaders, and ward heads to continue guiding youths away from violence and cultism, assuring the monarch that the local government would remain committed to ensuring justice.
In his response, the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Evang. Wilson Ojakovo Oharisi III, expressed appreciation to the council chairman and his delegation for the visit, describing it as timely and reassuring.
He said, “at a time like this, such a visit gives us strength and shows that we are not alone in our grief,” the monarch said.
He also dismissed reports alleging that he had declared a curfew in the kingdom, describing the claims as false and misleading.
“I did not declare any curfew in Ughelli,” he said. “That information is untrue and has caused unnecessary tension among our people.”
The traditional ruler urged residents and media practitioners to disregard unverified information and rely only on official sources as investigations into the murder of the prince continue.
