A fresh crisis is brewing in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, following the alleged declaration by some leaders under the Itsogwa, Egah/Igbidegwa that the stool of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella is vacant.
A group, Ukhomuyio Concerned Citizens, welcomed the declaration, insisting that the recent installation of HRH Mike Sado as Okuokpellagbe was flawed and cannot be recognized.
Speaking to journalists in Benin City on Monday, the group’s leader, Moses Izeokhe, said the pronouncement means “there is no Okuokpellagbe in Okpella,” alleging that the appointment was procured. He further accused the palace of intimidating elders and chiefs with threats of suspension, arrest, and title withdrawal, while also alleging that communal lands were sold without proper consultation and proceeds diverted into private accounts.
But the Palace of Okuokpellagbe swiftly dismissed the claims. The Secretary to the Palace, Barr. Akuri Afegbua, described the allegations as lies, warning that those declaring the throne vacant risk imprisonment.
According to him, “The installation was carried out in line with Section 20 (3) of the Traditional Rulers Edict of 1979 of Bendel State, now applicable in Edo State. Once a staff of office is presented and gazetted by the state government, the stool is no longer contestable. Anyone challenging it commits a crime punishable by three years imprisonment without an option of fine.”
Afegbua added that HRH Mike Sado remains the legitimate Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, ruling “perfectly without obstacle.
