Kingship tussle: Edo govt vows to invoke full wrath of law on sponsors of crisis in Okpella

By Jethro Ibileke

The Edo State Government has warned that it will not hesitate to invoke the full wrath of the law on anyone or their sponsors, who try to create ill-conceived crises to disrupt the peace of Okpella.

This is even as it denied alleged meddling in the election of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, HRM Michael Sado, by the State Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The State Commissioner for Communication and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, gave the warning in a statement in Benin on Tuesday.

He warned that the government has placed the relevant security agencies on alert about the activities of these troublesome elements, who are working very hard to foment trouble.

“We will not just arrest those who are causing mayhem, we will go the full length to prosecute them according to the law; the murder cases linked to this matter are presently being prosecuted, and will be followed to their logical conclusions. Those who want to feast on community resources to advance their selfish and personal interests, will also be prosecuted once any wrong-doing is preferred against them.

“Edo state deserves peace and tranquility. The state deserves stability for the Governor to continue to deliver on his campaign promises. Those who are still laying nebulous claims to the Okuokpellagbe stool are by this statement called to order. That matter was concluded almost a year ago; and having recognized the duly elected King, by Staff of Office, it is irresponsible for anybody or group to insinuate, purport, declare and state that the stool is vacant.

“To be forewarned is to be forearmed; and a word should be enough for the wise. We welcome all to join hands with Governor Okpebholo in delivering on his promises to Edo State and its people, without distraction,” he said.

Commenting on the election of the Okuokpellagbe Afegbua noted that the kingmakers followed due process in electing the present King, reminding that those who were not satisfied with the outcome went to court, but lost the case.

Afegbua who noted that Governor Okpebholo did not interfere with the process, disclosed that the local government representatives were present as observers to witness the process that produced the current Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.

“In fact, since Governor Okpebholo assumed office, he has neither interfered with traditional matters nor foisted anyone into the position of King on any community in the state. He upholds that traditional issues be left in the hands of those who are custodians of the traditions in the various communities by law.

“By that resolve, he has been able to restore peace and tranquility to many communities that were hitherto embroiled in Chieftaincy squabbles. He deserves the commendation of all for insisting that due process be followed in such sensitive matters of culture and tradition,” the commissioner stressed.

He emphasised that the present Okuokpellagbe of Okpella is a King that endeared himself to the hearts of the people by his developmental strides he has undertaken throughout the community.

He noted that majority of Okpella people endorse his leadership approach, and the level of inclusion they experience in his decision making processes.

“According to the King, the era of sharing community resources into private pockets was gone. Resources accruing to the community should be used to develop the community for the benefit of all.” he said.