By Nnasom David

The Ukhomuyio community of Okpella, Edo State, has rejected the process that led to the selection of Mike Sado as the candidate for the position of Okuokpellagbe, which took place on 10 May 2025. The community issued this position through a communique signed by the President of Ukhomuyio, Sam Afemikhe, High Chief Julius Ederefo of the Ukhomuyio Council of Village Heads, and Comrade Merrv Omoalu, President of the Ukhomuyio Youth Association.

According to the communique, Mr. Sado was the only candidate in what was mistakenly referred to as an “election” conducted by a few individuals not from Ukhomuyio, whose turn it is to produce the Okuokpellagbe. The communique further expressed the community’s frustration, noting that the Ukhomuyio Sub-Ruling Area has not been given the opportunity by the Government to conduct a legitimate process for selecting an Okuokpellagbe, in line with government directives and extant laws.

In response to the situation, the Ukhomuyio community decided, during its originally scheduled meeting, to set up a new executive group to resolve the impasse and focus on fostering growth and development.

New Executive Leadership Formed

The meeting, held on Sunday at Afokpella Secondary School, marked a turning point for the community. Sons and daughters of Ukhomuyio gathered with a focus on unity and repositioning the community.

The Public Relations Officer, Dr. Samson Omosotomhe, issued a statement highlighting that the new executive leadership has been tasked with a mission to Rescue and Recover, with the vision of making Ukhomuyio socially and economically developed.

The community’s agenda includes:

Uniting the Ukhomuyio community to heal the wounds of the past seven years.

Fostering integration with the wider Okpella community.

Engaging with government stakeholders to resolve the Okuokpellagbe impasse.

Partnering with operating companies to ensure Ukhomuyio benefits from local economic resources.

Launching aggressive development initiatives.

Collaborating with the government to enhance security and ensure peaceful living and safe farming.

Dr. Omosotomhe emphasized that the renewed leadership is a call for all Ukhomuyio sons and daughters to unite with hope and purpose for a brighter future.

Executive Members

The newly elected executive members include:

Samuel Sunday Onoshioagbe Afemikhe – President

Dr. Henry Idogun – Vice President

Charles Ikumesomi – Chairperson

Roland Ediawe – Secretary

Mathew Okun – Assistant Secretary

Okhale Labeshi – Financial Secretary

Eshio Omokhagbo – Assistant Financial Secretary

Mark Adogah – Treasurer

Philip Odion Magnus – Assistant Treasurer

Dr. Samson Omosotomhe – Public Relations Officer

Osaru Usman – Relations Officer

Bar(s) Philip Thomas Ilukholo, Benjamin Onekpe, and Mutairu Hope Aliu – Legal Advisers

Jonathan Abu and Lucky Afiabor – Security Officers

Engr. Sunday Iremia, Dr. William Odiwo, Barr. Nicholas Aliu, Barnabas Eshiobho, Hon. Philip Akemokue, Hon. Ekhis Uduafemeh, and Jerome Francisca – Ex Officio Members

It was also agreed that the President, along with other stakeholders, would be empowered to form a robust, inclusive team of well-meaning sons and daughters to collaboratively steer the affairs of Ukhomuyio in partnership with the Village Heads.