The House of Representatives, on Thursday, rejected a motion seeking Federal Government intervention in the ongoing chieftaincy dispute in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The motion, which aimed to restore peace to the troubled area, was brought by Mr. Dekeri Anamero, who represents the Etsako East/Etsako West Federal Constituency.
The Okpella community has been embroiled in a violent conflict following the controversial crowning of Lukman Akemokue as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella by Governor Godwin Obaseki two weeks ago.
The installation has been met with opposition from various factions within the community, sparking clashes and leading to the loss of lives in what is considered one of Edo State’s industrial hubs due to its cement production.
While some community members support Akemokue’s appointment, others have publicly opposed it, resulting in violent altercations in the cement-producing town last week.
The division within the community has threatened peace and stability, prompting calls for intervention.
During Thursday’s plenary session, Anamero expressed deep concern over the loss of lives in Okpella and called on the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to deploy security forces to the area to restore peace.
He accused Governor Obaseki of forcing Akemokue’s installation on the community despite the widespread public dissent.
Anamero also criticized Obaseki’s actions as politically motivated, referencing the governor’s party’s poor performance in the last governorship election.
“The violent reaction to the crowning of Lukman Akemokue has led to the deaths of several individuals. The ongoing unrest in Okpella must be addressed urgently by the Federal Government,” Anamero said.
However, the motion faced strong resistance from fellow lawmakers.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, faced difficulty securing a seconder for the motion, a prerequisite for advancing the debate.
Awaji-Inombek Abiante, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State, opposed the bill.
Abiante criticized Anamero’s approach, accusing him of disrespecting senior political figures, particularly Governor Obaseki.
“You don’t have to insult senior citizens of this country with your motion,” Abiante said, calling for the motion to be dismissed.
He emphasized that there was no need to force lawmakers into supporting the motion.
When Speaker Abbas called for a voice vote, the majority of members voted against the motion.