Metro

Obaseki Faces Backlash Over Alleged Politicization Of Okpella Kingship

Published

2 years 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

Edo Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists

Published

16 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Police Command on Wednesday said two suspected cultists were arrested in Ohonre community, off Adolor College Road, Benin.

This was disclosed in a statement by the command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, and made available to newsmen electrically.

Ikoedem said the arrest was possible due to operatives response to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

The statement reads: “The Edo State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough following the swift disruption of a suspected cultists’ gathering in Ohonre Community, off Adolor College Road, Benin City.

“On 21st May, 2026, at about 19:00hrs, operatives attached to Ugbowo Division who were on surveillance patrol responded to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

“Acting promptly on the information, the police team mobilized to the location. On sighting the operatives, the suspects fled in an attempt to evade arrest. The operatives immediately gave them a hot chase, leading to the arrest of two suspects identified as Victor Peter ‘M’, 21 years and Iyemoma Ogbewe ‘M’, 35 years.

“A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of one cut-to-size gun believed to have been in their possession for unlawful purposes.

“Upon investigation, the suspects confessed to being members of the notorious Maphite cult group. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other fleeing gang members.”

She said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the swift response of the operatives and reiterated the Command’s resolve to deny criminal elements any opportunity within Edo State.

He further urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police, assuring that all reports would receive prompt attention.

Metro

Troops Eliminate Two Terrorists, Foil Pipeline Attack

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Army says troops have, in the last 24 hours, eliminated two terrorists, rescued four kidnapped victims and foiled pipeline attacks in a series of coordinated military operations across Taraba, Kogi and Rivers.

This is contained in operational updates issued to reporters on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the reports, troops of 93 Battalion deployed at Akate in the Donga Local Government Area of Taraba engaged suspected terrorists in a forested area, killing two of them.

According to the report, items recovered from the scene include an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, magazines, mobile phones and other personal effects.

In Kogi, it said the troops of 21 Battalion, in collaboration with vigilantes, rescued four kidnapped passengers along the Anyigba–Itobe road in Ofu Local Government Area.

It added that the victims were reportedly abandoned by their captors while attempting to cross a seasonal stream due to sustained pressure from advancing troops.

According to the military, efforts are ongoing to rescue other victims still in captivity.

The report said that troops of 12 Brigade successfully repelled an ambush along Kabba–Okene road while withdrawing from an earlier operation, forcing the assailants to flee with gunshot wounds.

“Meanwhile, in Rivers, troops of 5 Battalion acting on credible intelligence, foiled an attempt by suspected vandals to detonate a crude oil pipeline in Ahoada West Local Government Area.

“The swift response of the troops disrupted the operation before it could be executed, with the suspects fleeing the scene,” it said.

Metro

Police Arrest Private Chef Over Alleged N150m Theft, Drugging Of Employer, Burglary

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, John Cosmos Govi, over his alleged involvement in a burglary operation at a residence in Abuja, where luxury items and valuables worth about N150 million were reportedly stolen.

The arrest was announced on Monday, May 25, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, who said the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) after investigations into allegations of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, theft, malicious damage and administering harmful substances.

According to police findings, Govi, who allegedly gained employment as a chef at the residence, was said to have studied the movement of occupants, internal routine and security setup before allegedly carrying out the operation on April 23, 2026.

Investigators said he reportedly worked with two accomplices identified as Peter and Moses, who are currently on the run.

Police alleged that food prepared in the house was laced with a suspected sedative substance to weaken the occupants and security personnel.

After they reportedly became unconscious, the suspects allegedly broke into the property, damaged CCTV installations and stole 20 luxury wristwatches valued at about N150 million, alongside other valuables.

Speaking on the development, DCP Anthony Placid said the suspect was intercepted around the Gwagwalada axis of the Federal Capital Territory while attempting to flee to Lagos. He added that an iPhone 17 Pro Max, believed to belong to the victim, and a suspected chemical substance were recovered.

“We remain committed to dismantling organised criminal networks and ensuring that all fleeing accomplices are brought to justice,” Placid said.

Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and conclude investigations into the case.