Fresh Crisis Engulfs Edo Community Over Kingship

‎By Calista Oyeoba / Posted 2 September 2025

The seeming peace in Okpella community in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State was recently shattered, following strong allegations by some leaders that the traditional stool of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella is vacant, warning that no individual can lay claim to being rightful royal father.

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‎ The allegation of being an imposter was exacerbated and called out by a group called Ukhomuyio Concerned Citizens, alleging that the recent coronation of HRH Mike Sado was not done properly and therefore, cannot be accepted.
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‎However, in a swift reaction, the secretary to the palace Barrister Akuri Afegbua dismissed the claim, emphasizing that the royal father was properly coronated. He warned that anyone declaring the stool vacant could face three years in prison, stressing that the throne is not empty and the installed king remains legitimate.
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‎Speaking to journalists, leader of the Ukhomuyio Concerned Citizens group, Moses Izeokhe said the king’s appointment was not valid and alleged that some chiefs and elders were being threatened with suspension, arrest or title removal. The group also accused some individuals of secretly selling communal lands and keeping the money in private accounts.

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‎Furthermore, they insisted that according to past affidavits, communal lands in Okpella belong to families not individuals.
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‎In response, Afegbua said all the allegations were false. He explained that the king’s installation followed the law under the 1979 Traditional Rulers Edict, which is still in effect in Edo State. He maintained that once a staff of office is given by the state government, anyone who challenges it commits a crime punishable by jail.

‎”Okuopellagbe” is known as a royal stool (kingship title) that represents the authority, culture and leadership of the Okpella people, an agrarian and solid minerals mining belt of Edo State. The individual who holds the title is seen as both a cultural and spiritual leader while he is also the custodian of the community’s traditions passed down from their fore-fathers.

Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State had previously commented on the brewing crisis, assuring the community that the government will ensure peace among the people. Many observers have aligned with the governor’s position, calling on the warring parties to sheath their swords and embrace peace, for the overall development of their community.

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‎ NOTE: Calista is a Trainee-journalist who contributes regularly to DDNEWSONLINE.COM from the Department of Mass Communication, Ekocity Polytechnic, Lagos