The Urhobo Historical Society (UHS) has appealed to international human rights organisations and advocates of justice to intervene in the continued detention of some Okuama community leaders following the March 2024 crisis in the Delta State community.
The appeal was made by the President of the society, Aruegodore Oyiborhoro, during the 14th UHS Conference held in London.
Oyiborhoro said the people of Okuama have endured severe humanitarian consequences since the crisis, alleging that military operations that followed the deaths of soldiers in the community resulted in the destruction of homes, schools, livelihoods and other facilities.
He said many families were displaced while children were left without stable access to education.
The UHS president expressed particular concern over the continued detention of several community leaders and urged authorities to respect their fundamental rights and ensure due process.
Among those he identified were Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, prresident-general of the community; Chief Belvis Adogbo; James Oghoroko; Dennis Okugbaye; Dennis Malaka; and Mabel Owhemu.
He also referred to the reported death of Pa James Oghoroko while in military custody and the release of Pa Dennis Okugbaye after he reportedly became critically ill.
Oyiborhoro called for an independent investigation into the allegations surrounding the treatment of the detainees, saying accountability should follow wherever violations were established.
He also urged the federal government and relevant institutions to provide support for displaced Okuama residents and take concrete steps towards rebuilding the community.
“The people of Okuama deserve justice and dignity,” Oyiborhoro said, while appealing to international bodies to pay urgent attention to the situation.
The Okuama issue formed part of broader discussions at the conference, which brought together Urhobo scholars, traditional rulers, community leaders and professionals from Nigeria and the diaspora.
The society used the conference to examine the history, culture and identity of the Urhobo people and to reinforce its commitment to historical documentation.
Oyiborhoro said the UHS, established by Urhobo intellectuals in New York City in 1999, has continued to document the migrations, kingdoms, struggles, achievements and traditions of the Urhobo people.
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The conference also witnessed the launch of The Warri Crises, the Society’s eighth monograph.
According to Oyiborhoro, the publication was intended to contribute to the preservation of documented historical truth amid what he described as distorted narratives.
He urged Urhobo elders, scholars and cultural custodians to intensify efforts to document the people’s history, while encouraging younger Urhobos to take ownership of their heritage.
The conference concluded with calls for unity among Urhobos worldwide, stronger cultural institutions and increased attention to the humanitarian situation in Okuama.
