From Ebohon Joan
The people of Ikpeshi in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to urgently intervene in the lingering kingship crisis rocking the community, warning that failure to resolve the dispute could trigger tension and threaten lives and property.
The community expressed concern that the prolonged disagreement over the traditional leadership of Ikpeshi could undermine the existing peace, disrupt economic activities and create lasting divisions among families and kindred.
Speaking with journalists on Thursday on behalf of the community, Ms Peggy Agbo said the crisis stemmed from the Edo State Government’s decision to revoke the regency of HRH Nicholas Odamah III and appoint Lukeman Momodu as his replacement.
According to her, the decision has generated considerable concern and dissatisfaction among sections of the community.
Agbo explained that the state government, through the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, had justified the decision by citing disputes surrounding traditional leadership in the clan, adding that the government maintained that its action was aimed at promoting peace, stability and due process.
However, she questioned the circumstances surrounding the removal of the regent, who she claimed had helped restore peace and tranquillity to the Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan.
“What has changed? Having reviewed the disputes over traditional leadership in the clan and taken a decision in the interest of peace, what new development has led to the purported removal of the regent, who has brought peace and tranquillity to the Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan?” she asked.
She appealed to Governor Okpebholo to treat the matter as urgent, insisting that impartial engagement, timely intervention and strict adherence to due process were necessary to prevent further escalation.
Agbo specifically called on the governor to reverse the decision communicated through the office of the Secretary to the State Government.
“We are appealing to the governor, through the media, to immediately reverse the decision as contained in the purported statement by the Secretary to the State Government,” she said.
She further urged the governor, whom she described as a man of peace, to suspend the action in the interest of unity, stability and peaceful coexistence in the community.
However, the Edo State Government has defended its position. The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, said the decision was based on existing court rulings.
“What I can say on the matter is that the state government took the decision based on the court decision,” Afegbua stated.
The Ikpeshi kingship crisis has persisted for several months, with rival claims to the traditional stool prompting repeated government interventions.
As tensions continue over the disputed regency, residents are calling for urgent action to prevent the disagreement from escalating into a wider communal crisis and to ensure lasting peace in Ikpeshi and the surrounding communities.
