A well-known Igala socio-cultural group, UDAMA IGALA Worldwide, has drawn the attention of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to the orchestrated arrest of an illustrious son of the Igala Kingdom, Usman Austin Okai, a House of Representatives candidate in the 2023 general election.
The group warned that the arrest is capable of triggering a tribal war between the Igalas and Ebirras.
In an emergency meeting held by the national body of the association in Abuja on Friday, February 28, 2025, the group accused Governor Ododo, alongside former Governor Yahaya Adosa Bello, of leading the state with impunity and tyranny.
In a press release issued by the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Michael Omakoji Sani, the group stated that Okai was arrested for accusing the state government of embezzling ₦13 billion. They described the arrest as barbaric and contrary to the tenets of democracy.
The statement emphasized that criticizing the government is within the fundamental rights of every citizen.
It further cited Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, stating that:
“Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.”
According to the statement, freedom of expression is a fundamental human right in Nigeria, meaning it is protected by the Constitution.
The group also expressed concern that, for years, the Igalas and Ebirras have lived peacefully together.
However, the accidental emergence of former Governor Yahaya Adosa Bello, who ruled with impunity and dictatorship, has created disunity among ethnic groups in the state, particularly between the Igalas and Ebirras.
The statement further lamented that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who should have learned from the misgovernance of his predecessor, Yahaya Adosa Bello who standing trial for looting the state Treasury to sorry state , has instead chosen to follow in his footsteps.
The group alleged that the former governor, now hiding in the Government House, continues to influence Ododo, directing him to arrest and intimidate his political opponents. They described this as unacceptable.
They also said that the current Commissioner of Finance in the state, Asiwaju Asiru, who should be diligently working to help the state overcome unprecedented debt and mismanagement of state resources, is involved in collaborating to arrest and intimidate opponents, adding that his role in Austin’s arrest will stand the test of time.
The press release concluded by stating that Usman Austin Okai is a revered and respected son of the Igala Kingdom, and that any form of persecution, whether by the government or individuals, will not be tolerated by the Igala people.
The group strongly warned Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to exercise caution, even though he is misguided by his political mentor. They emphasized that Okai’s arrest could ignite ethnic tensions in the state.
