The Edo State Government has warned that it will take legal action against individuals or groups attempting to disrupt peace in Okpella community, Etsako East Local Government Area, following controversies surrounding the installation of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, HRM Michael Sado.
The warning comes amid recent protests and petitions challenging the monarch’s ascension, including a petition reportedly submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, the government urged aggrieved parties to embrace peace and support the development of the community, noting that a court had recently dismissed a suit challenging Sado’s emergence.
Afegbua stated that Governor Monday Okpebholo ensured that due process was strictly followed in the selection of the monarch without interference, and cautioned that opposition to the process should not be allowed to hinder the progress of the community and the state.
Afegbua said “This statement is necessary, and timely too, to set the records straight, and encourage wailers and ultracrepidarians who have vaulted into the matter, to put their breath to better use.
“As provided, the responsibility of electing the King was vested in the twenty four Kingmakers who assembled at the traditional venue in Imiokewa-Ogute, to elect one out of the many that contested the traditional stool. Engr. Prince Mike Sado, emerged after polling 16 valid votes out of the 24 bona fide votes. The Governor of the state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, did not at all interfere with the process. The Local Government representatives were present as observers to witness the transparent process that produced the current Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.”
He added that since assuming office, the governor has not interfered in traditional institutions or imposed any monarch on communities across the state.
The statement also alerted security agencies to monitor activities of individuals allegedly attempting to incite unrest in the area, noting that the majority of residents support the monarch and his leadership approach.
It further stated that during visits to the governor, the monarch had outlined plans to advance development and create more opportunities within the community.
The government reiterated its readiness to enforce the law against anyone found instigating crisis in Okpella.
“The government of Edo state will not hesitate to invoke the full wrath of the law on anyone and or their sponsors, trying to create ill-conceived crises to disrupt the peace of Okpella.
We will not just arrest those who are causing mayhem, we will go the full length to prosecute them according to the law; the murder cases linked to this matter are presently being prosecuted, and will be followed to their logical conclusions. Those who want to feast on community resources to advance their selfish and personal interests, will also be prosecuted once any wrong-doing is preferred against them.”
