The family of an elderly leader from Okuama community in Delta State has expressed disappointment in Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his silence following the death of the leader in military custody. The leader, Pa Dennis Okugbaye, who was 81 years old and served as the Treasurer of the community, passed away just days after the death of the community’s President General, Pa James Oghoroko.
The Nigerian Army has not addressed the deaths of these two community leaders who died within six days of each other in military custody. Family sources revealed that despite paying for fuel to transport Pa Okugbaye, they were informed of his death only after the fact. The family expressed frustration at the lack of communication from the military or Governor Oborevwori.
Pa Okugbaye and Pa Oghoroko were arrested in August 2024 along with other community figures and remain in military detention. Social critic Mr. Zik Gbemre criticized Governor Oborevwori for not intervening in what he described as an abuse of power by the military. Gbemre highlighted the lack of action from key stakeholders in addressing the situation in Delta State.
Efforts to obtain a statement from government officials regarding the governor’s position were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.