Our reporter
The Okpella community in Etsako East Local Government Area has rejected the appointment of Lukman Akemokue as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella by Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki.
In a strongly-worded letter signed by six village heads and chiefs, the Okpella Council of Village Heads voiced their opposition to the governor’s decision, describing it as a violation of the community’s customs and traditions.
The council stated that the appointment of Akemokue disregarded Section 19(1) of Edict No. 16 of 1979, which outlines the procedure for selecting a traditional ruler.
According to the council, the process of selecting the Okuokpellagbe is the responsibility of the Kingmakers, not the state government or governor.
In their letter, the council emphasized that the selection of a new Okuokpellagbe must follow traditional customs and laws, adding that the imposition of Akemokue without following due process is an affront to the people of Okpella.
They referenced previous communications with the governor, in which they had drawn attention to a letter from a self-proclaimed “Okpella Body of Kingmakers” in 2019 that they said attempted to subvert the customary laws governing the selection of the community’s traditional ruler.
The council further criticized the governor’s appointment of Akemokue while court cases concerning the vacant Okuokpellagbe stool were still pending. “Your decision to name an Okuokpellagbe without regard to pending court cases amounts to executive rascality and utter disregard for the judicial arm of government,” the statement read.
Protests have already erupted in Okpella town, with residents demonstrating on the Auchi-Abuja expressway, denouncing Akemokue’s appointment. Video footage from the protests showed community members expressing their dissatisfaction with the governor’s decision.
The village heads warned that the appointment of Akemokue could lead to further unrest if not reversed. They urged Governor Obaseki to withdraw his recognition of Akemokue, stating that the people of Okpella would resist the decision by all lawful means.
The letter was signed by Chief Oneshiagbe Odabor (Ogute Oke Ruling Area), High Chief Joshua Ogene (Imiekuri Ruling Area), High Chief S.A.E. Garuba (Imiegele Ruling Area), High Chief Yekini Ahmed (Awuyemi Ruling Area), High Chief Momodu Jibril (Iddo Ruling Area), and Chief Charles Ikhumetsomi (Ukhomunyio Ruling Area).
The council concluded their statement by calling on the Edo State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to take note of their rejection of Akemokue’s appointment and ensure peace is maintained in the community.
As of now, the Okuokpellagbe stool remains vacant, with the Okpella Council of Village Heads asserting that no candidate will be recognised until one is selected in accordance with Edict No. 16 of 1979.
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
