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

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

2 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.