Eradajaye: Rights Activist Calls On DTSG To Constitute Panel Of Inquiry

By Daniel Dafe

Comr. (Amb) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, National Coordinator, Initiative For Social Rights Concerns and Advancement (ISRCA) AKA “No Justice, No Peace”, has faulted the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration for withdrawing the appointment of Hon. Ejiro Eruteyan Eradajaye, saying that in a situation where a government official or appointee is accused of wrongdoing or involvement in a crime, the right thing to do is for the government to be neutral while the matter is being investigated.

Agberen, who said this in a statement, was reacting to the sack of the said aide who is alleged to have murdered someone in his community in Okpe Local Government Area.

He said further: “Nonetheless, this should not prevent the government or relevant authorities from setting up a panel of inquiry to determine the facts, as the appointee may be either a victim or a political target.”

Continuing, the activist, who said he spoke to the sacked aide recently, said “the passing of Mr. Sam Onobrakpeya Ophie, who asserted himself as CLO of the sand beach without community sanction, was indeed unfortunate, and it is necessary to establish the truth from other findings about his dealings with Hon. Ejiro Eruteyan Eradajaye, Chairman of Adagbrassa community in Orerokpe, Okpe Local Government.”

He added: “Honorable Ejiro Eruteyan Eradajaye, Chairman and President General of Adagbrasa Okpe Community, launched his administration with a project to construct a community toilet for elderly residents in the renovated town hall. He requested support from the sand beach manager, who agreed to deliver two trips of sand. Nonetheless, Mr. Sam Onobrakpeya Ophie sent threatening messages to the Chairman, claiming that only one sand delivery would be provided, deviating from the agreed terms.

“Subsequent to the meeting with Osubi Airport management, the Chairman went to the community and inspected the sand beach to gather an update on the sand, in accordance with the agreement reached with the beach management, which was without incident. On his return to his father’s compound after visiting the beach, he was taken aback to see Sam seated among other community youths. As he disembarked from his car, Sam addressed him, saying, ‘Chairman, I’ve been anticipating your arrival.’ The nearby boys appeared irritated by Sam’s lack of formality, but Chairman Ejiro advised them to compose themselves. Sam then remarked, ‘Chairman, it’s only one trip, attend to whatever matters you need to.”

Narrating his findings, he continued: “A heated argument erupted between the two parties, resulting in the chairman asking Sam to vacate his father’s premises. Mr. Sam Ophie claimed he could reside anywhere in the community, leading to a physical confrontation. The community’s Otota intervened, escorting the chairman to his residence. There, Sam launched a surprise attack from behind, using broken bottles to inflict multiple stab wounds on the chairman’s head, back, and hand.

“The chairman was en route to the hospital when he was diverted to the Orerokpe Division police station, at the request of the DPO.”

He also hinted that “upon arrival, an inspection of the chairman’s vehicle, damaged by Sam, was conducted.”

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Adding: “While providing a statement in the DPO’s office, Hon. Ejiro collapsed due to excessive blood loss and was immediately transported to Orerokpe Government Hospital for emergency treatment, as instructed by the DPO, with a police medical report form.”

“The day after, with Chairman Hon Ejiro Eruteyan still in the hospital, news surfaced of Sam’s demise, allegedly caused by an assault by furious community youths who believed the chairman had died from his injuries, prompting a skirmish with Sam and his associates, resulting in mutual injuries, and, unfortunately, insufficient medical attention for Sam.

“The distressing news of Sam’s death culminated in the burning down of the chairman’s family compound and the forced eviction of the chairman’s loyalists from the community by Sam’s relatives and supporters.”

Speaking further, Agberen, said: “Notwithstanding the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Sam’s demise, it is essential to prioritize truthfulness at all times, as justice is served when it is upheld for every individual, thereby ensuring justice for all,” he said.

Meanwhile, he disclosed that “there are claims that Mr. Sam Onobrakpeya was responsible for the death of Master Efe Dedewo at the Sheriff Appreciation Cup for Okpe LGA, sponsored by Mr. Prince Aruegwe on February 2nd, 2022, with allegations of a cover-up by certain individuals.”

In his words, “the family of Mr. Sam, who committed arson at Hon. Ejiro Eruteyan’s residence, pleaded for compassion, but Master Efe Dedewo, victim was denied justice. Several incidents are still hidden.”

He said that “reports indicate that Mr. Sam was attempting to escape when community members caught him, but tragically, he died from injuries inflicted during the altercation with the angry mob.”

“Is this a case of karma for a past incident or a ploy to discredit Hon. Ejiro Eruteyan Eradajaye, given the varied political views among young people in the area,? he quizzed.

“Evidence surfacing in the media, linked to Mr. Prince Ariegwe, alias Mr. Bishop, implies blackmail, desperation, and an orchestrated effort to frame Hon. Ejiro Eruteyan Eradajaye, the suspended SSA,” he opined.

“In light of this situation, I formally request that the Delta State Government convene a panel of inquiry to critically assess the relevant factors and devise effective solutions,” he concluded.