The Edo State government has announced significant changes in traditional rulership positions across the state. In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, the government revealed that it has revoked the appointment of Lukman Akemokue as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area.
The decision was attributed to Akemokue’s failure to comply with the Declaration of Customary Law regulating succession to the throne. The state government has begun the process of selecting a new Okuokpellagbe in line with the extant law.
In another development, the government revoked the appointment of Umoru Inusa Umoru as the Aidenogie of South Ibie in Etsako West Local Government Area, citing that the stool was not vacant at the time of his appointment. Consequently, Alhaji Aliyu Kelvin Danesi has been reinstated as the rightful Aidenogie of South Ibie.
The government explained that the decision to reinstate Alhaji Danesi was based on the fact that the stool was not vacant prior to Umoru’s appointment, which rendered the appointment invalid.
Furthermore, Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor has been removed as the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom, Agencbode, in Etsako East Local Government Area, following his suspension over alleged failure to address recent cases of kidnappings and killings in his domain. A selection process has been initiated to find a new ruler for the kingdom in line with Edo State laws.
The government assured the public that the changes were aimed at ensuring peace, unity, and prosperity in the affected communities. “We urge all subjects of the aforementioned localities/domains to remain calm as the State Government remains committed to ensuring the peace, unity, prosperity, and greater happiness of the good people of Edo State,” the statement read.
The development has brought significant changes to the traditional leadership landscape in Edo State, with the government demonstrating its commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the stability of traditional institutions.