By Jimitota Onoyume

The king of Orogun kingdom , Ughelli North local government area, Delta state , His Royal Majesty, the Okparauku of Orogun, has decried the alleged neglect of the area by oil firms , appealing also for the release of a son of the area, Barrister Moses Odiri who was whisked away last month by security operatives.

Addressing the media in his palace the monarch said the community has been worried over the sad incident , noting that since the arrest the security agencies behind it have kept mute on why he was arrested.

His words : ” With a solemn heart and unwavering resolve, I, His Royal Majesty, the Okparauku of Orogun Kingdom, address the people of Nigeria and the international community regarding the unjust arrest and ongoing detention of our son, Barrister Moses Oddiri, who has been held since 10 November 2025, without trial.

“Barrister Oddiri is a proud and accomplished son of Orogun, known for his steadfast dedication to justice, his integrity, and his fearless advocacy for the marginalized.

“His sudden and unexplained incarceration by the epartment of State Security ,DSS, raises profound concerns—not only about his personal liberty but also about the integrity of our democratic institutions and the sanctity of due process.

“As traditional custodians of justice and moral order, we cannot stand idle while one of our own is subjected to treatment that undermines the principles of fairness, transparency, and constitutional rights.

“We therefore call upon the relevant authorities to immediately disclose the grounds for his arrest, to guarantee his access to legal counsel and medical attention, and to uphold his fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution “.

The monarch enjoined the Senate committee on oil and gas host communities to investigate the alleged injustices to the Orogun kingdom , stressing that they were denied of alleged benefits that should come to the area as an oil and gas producing community.

“In addition, we urge both the government and the Senate Committee on Oil and Gas Host Communities to investigate the systemic injustices faced by the Orogun people over the years, particularly regarding the royalties owed to host communities. The voices of our people deserve to be heard, and justice must prevail.”, he pleaded.

Crowned Prince Imogene Dominic also flayed the alleged neglect of the kingdom by oil firms operating in the area , adding, he appealed for the unconditional release of Moses Odiri. Chief Benson Okiriga Osukpa, Secretary of Orogun council of Chiefs, Woman leader Cecilia Kaine , youth president Bodmas Ogbagene , Comrade Victor Akpobo , community leader and others who spoke also lamented the alleged neglect of the area, urging the National Assembly, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and President Bola Tinubu to redress the injustice to the area.