From Staff Writer
Members of the Ukhomuyio community in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, have staged a peaceful protest to oppose the planned installation of Michael Sado as the new Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.
The protesters claim that Sado’s selection violated the Declaration of the Customary Law regulating succession to the traditional title, and was conducted by a group with no legal standing under the declaration.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the protesters, the Obodeanokpella of Okpella, Chief Charles Adogah, said the Declaration clearly vests the right of nominating an Okuokpellagbe candidate in the component branch of the appropriate ruling house, supervised by the village head.
He expressed dismay that Governor Monday Okpebholo had endorsed a candidate put forward by a group that was not recognised under the customary declaration, despite the objections of the community. According to him, many elders have been harassed, arrested, and detained for expressing their views.
Chief Adogah called on the governor to halt the coronation of Sado, cancel the flawed selection process, and allow the Komunio village of the Oteku ruling house to carry out its traditional and lawful responsibility of choosing a candidate for the exalted throne of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.
“The selection process must adhere strictly to the Declaration of Customary Law,” he stated. “All arrests and harassment of peaceful, innocent community members must cease immediately, and those detained must be released unconditionally and without delay.
“Your Excellency, your kinsman, Professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli, is remembered with reverence and pride in Okpella. We pray that your name too will be etched not in controversy, but in honour. Let your legacy be one of justice, not one of injustice dressed in political convenience.
“To all Okpella sons and daughters, we say: remain calm, but resolute. Remain peaceful, but firm. Our culture, our voice, and our heritage must not be silenced.”
In a swift reaction, the Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lucky Eseigbe, said the protest came “too late” as the governor had already approved the selection of Sado as the new Okuokpellagbe of Okpella. He urged the aggrieved Ukhomuyio community to seek legal recourse if dissatisfied.
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