Metro

Obaseki Faces Backlash Over Alleged Politicization Of Okpella Kingship

Published

9 months ago

October 14, 2024

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State is facing sharp criticism from members of the Okpella community for allegedly politicizing the selection process of the new Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.

The community’s displeasure follows the governor’s appointment of Engr. Lukman Oghehemhime Akemokhue as the new traditional ruler, despite a pending court case and objections from local leaders.

The controversy stems from Obaseki’s presentation of the Staff of Office to Akemokhue in September, even though a contender, Mike Sado, had already instituted a court case challenging the appointment. This development has sparked protests, with residents accusing the governor of disregarding Okpella’s customs and favoring political allies over traditional procedures.

The Okpella Council of Village Heads has been vocal in its opposition, insisting that the selection of the Okuokpellagbe is the exclusive responsibility of the Kingmakers, not the state government. In a letter to Governor Obaseki, the Council criticized the interference, accusing him of undermining their autonomy and violating Section 19(1) of Edict No. 16 of 1979, which outlines the proper procedure for selecting a traditional ruler.

Sado, speaking in Abuja, expressed frustration over the state’s involvement in the process, accusing the governor of setting a dangerous precedent by disregarding the community’s customs. He revealed that the kingship had been narrowed down to three kindred, with each asked to nominate a candidate.

However, when his kindred successfully submitted a nominee, other candidates allegedly bypassed tradition and forwarded their names directly to the governor, leading to confusion.

According to Sado, “The agreement was that once nominated by your kindred, there would be an election. But two Kingmakers, working for one of the candidates, ignored this and sent all three names to the governor. The Okpella Council of Village Heads intervened and chose me, but political interests have since derailed the process.”

The situation has escalated to legal battles, with contempt and criminal proceedings initiated against the Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Monday Osaigbovo, and Akemokhue for acting on the matter while it is still pending in court. They are accused of violating Section 110(c) and (d) of the Criminal Law of Edo State by taking actions that disrupt judicial proceedings.

Sado’s legal team, led by Chief H.O. Ogbodu, SAN, has asked the court to set aside the appointment letter given to Akemokhue, arguing that it contravenes the ongoing court case and traditional laws. The case, marked B/464/2019, centers on determining the rightful candidate for the Okuokpellagbe throne.

Despite the controversy, Governor Obaseki’s office has not issued any official response to the community’s objections or the legal proceedings. However, tensions remain high in Okpella, with many residents demanding that the traditional process be respected and warning that the governor’s actions could lead to further unrest in the community.

Metro

JUST IN: Gunmen Kill Policeman, Abduct Other In Imo

Published

12 hours ago

July 7, 2025

Editor

Gunmen launched a deadly attack on a police patrol team in Imo State on Sunday, resulting in the death of a police constable and the reported abduction of an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

The Imo State Police Command confirmed the incident on Monday and has launched a manhunt to apprehend those responsible.

The incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. near Finas Gas Station, along the Okigwe-Umuahia Road, specifically in the Old Gariki area of Okigwe, which sources described as a “dangerous zone.”

During the ambush, Police Constable Oluebube was fatally shot, and his service rifle was stolen by the attackers.

ASP Casmir, who was leading the patrol team, has been missing since the attack, leading to fears that he may have been abducted and possibly killed. Other members of his team managed to return to base with their rifles and are currently receiving medical attention.

Police spokesman Henry Okoye stated that preliminary findings suggest the attackers are affiliated with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

“An intense operation is ongoing to apprehend the miscreants responsible for the attack,” Okoye said. He added, “We are aware that some may question why IPOB is being mentioned, but we cannot ignore confessional statements by suspects who openly associate their actions with the group. As a law enforcement agency, it is our duty to report facts as uncovered during investigations.”

Metro

Police Declare Two Wanted Over Attack On Ahoada-East LGA Administrator, Theft

Published

1 day ago

July 6, 2025

Editor

The Rivers State Police Command has declared two top officials of the Ahoada-East Local Government Area wanted over their alleged involvement in the brutal attack on the LGA’s Sole Administrator, Hon. Goodluck Iheanachor.

Declared wanted are Mr. Hector Ekakita, Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Ahoada-East LGA, and Mr. Aloni Olodi, Chief of Staff (COS) of the LGA.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the police said the duo is wanted for alleged criminal conspiracy, stealing, assault occasioning harm, and attempted murder. The offenses stem from a violent incident that occurred on June 20, 2025, at the Ahoada-East Council Secretariat.

According to the statement, Ekakita and Olodi, alongside a group of about 30 others, allegedly conspired to assault the Sole Administrator, inflicted injuries on him, forcibly obtained his signature under duress, stole his mobile phones and sensitive documents, and carted away both personal and official property from his office.

The police revealed that despite repeated invitations, the suspects have failed to appear for questioning, prompting the declaration.

“The Rivers State Police Command has declared the following individuals wanted… Mr. Hector Ekakita – Chief Security Officer (CSO), Ahoada-East LGA, and Mr. Aloni Olodi – Chief of Staff (COS), Ahoada-East LGA,” the statement read.

“Their actions resulted in bodily harm to the administrator, who continues to receive medical treatment.”

The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, has urged the suspects to report to the Police State Headquarters on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, without further delay.

He also warned that anyone found aiding or shielding the suspects would face the full weight of the law.

“The Rivers State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to justice and maintaining public peace and safety,” the statement concluded.
(VANGUARD)

Metro

10 Die In Ogun Night Bus Crash

Published

1 day ago

July 6, 2025

Editor

No fewer than 10 persons have been confirmed dead, while three others sustained injuries in a lone crash involving a Mitsubishi bus on the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Expressway.

Mr Babatunde Akinbiyi, spokesperson for the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) in Ogun, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday.

Akinbiyi said the accident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Friday at Ome Bridge, Awa, along Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan highway in Ijebu North Local Government Area.

He stated that the lone crash involved a Mitsubishi bus, registration number EJ829-LSR, which was conveying 15 passengers at the time.

According to Akinbiyi, seven male and three female passengers died. Three others were injured, while a toddler and one adult escaped unhurt.

He said preliminary findings indicate that overspeeding and wrongful overtaking led to the accident.

“Eyewitnesses said the driver wrongly overtook another vehicle at high speed and could not regain control after noticing an oncoming vehicle.

“The driver veered off the road, hit an abandoned gravel pile beside the bridge, and plunged the vehicle into the river,” Akinbiyi explained.

He said the deceased were taken to Ijebu-Ode General Hospital’s morgue, while the injured were also being treated at the same facility.

The spokesperson urged motorists to avoid speeding and to refrain from travelling at night, stressing the importance of road safety at all times.