Public concern continues to grow over the prolonged detention of Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo and other leaders from Okuama, with voices across Urhobo land and beyond asking pointed questions about leadership, justice, and institutional responsibility, particularly the role of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU).
Many commentators insist that Prof. Ekpekpo’s only “offence” was serving as a leader of the Ewu clan. To them, his continued detention without trial symbolises a deeper problem: selective justice and the weakening authority of the courts. Critics argue that when court orders are ignored, the rule of law itself is diminished, creating an atmosphere where citizens lose faith in democratic institutions.
A recurring question echoes across public forums: What is UPU doing? From community elders to youth advocates, there is widespread disappointment that the apex socio-cultural body of the Urhobo people has not taken a more visible, coordinated stand. Some accuse the organisation of being distracted by internal elections and politics while an urgent humanitarian and legal crisis unfolds.
Others draw sharp contrasts in security responses across regions, alleging that military operations are swift and forceful during peaceful protests or communal tensions in parts of the South-South and South-East, yet comparatively restrained in other regions. This perceived imbalance, critics say, fuels feelings of marginalisation and injustice.
Beyond UPU, attention is also turning to elected officials. Questions have been raised about the silence or perceived inaction of the Delta State Government, the Delta Central Senatorial leadership, and representatives at both state and federal levels. Many believe these leaders should collectively engage the military authorities, pursue judicial remedies, and demand due process.
Human rights advocates within the discourse are calling for concrete steps: Immediate legal intervention by reputable human rights lawyers; a coordinated approach involving the governor, legislators, and traditional leadership; and a world press briefing to internationalise the matter and attract global attention.
Underlying these demands is a broader lament about leadership. Several voices argue that the recurring pattern of neglect and silence reflects a leadership vacuum in Urhobo land; one that leaves ordinary people exposed to injustice with little protection. As one commentator put it, “Where there is no leadership, suffering thrives.”
The continued detention of Prof. Ekpekpo and others has thus become more than a single case; it is a test of leadership, solidarity, and commitment to justice. For many, the expectation is clear: UPU must wake up, mobilise stakeholders, and act decisively. Silence, they warn, risks being interpreted as consent. The call is growing louder: #FreeOkuamaLeaders and restore faith in justice through action, not words.
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