By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY — Tensions are rising in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, as members of the community, including the elderly and physically challenged, staged a protest on Wednesday against the appointment of a new Okuokpellagbe (traditional ruler) of Okpella.

The protesters, mainly from the Ukhomunyo quarter of Okpella, marched to the Government House and the Palace of the Oba of Benin, carrying placards with various inscriptions condemning what they described as an “illegal process” that led to the emergence of the new monarch. His installation has reportedly been scheduled for next month.

They also objected to the use of the title His Royal Majesty for the new monarch, arguing that it is exclusive to the Oba of Benin and not traditionally used for the Okuokpellagbe.

The Ukhomunyo community claims it is their turn to produce the next king based on the traditional rotation system but alleged they were excluded from the selection process. According to them, individuals from other quarters of Okpella hijacked the process in contravention of the established rules governing the appointment of a new Okuokpellagbe.

At the end of the former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s tenure, Lukman Akemokue was appointed as Okuokpellagbe, but the decision sparked protests. As a result, the new administration under Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo nullified the appointment and ordered a fresh selection process, mandating that it follow due process.

This directive eventually led to the emergence of Michael Sado as the new monarch. However, the Ukhomunyo community maintains that their kingmakers were sidelined in the process.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, High Chief Julius Ederefo, a representative of the Ukhomunyo Council of Village Heads, said:

“This unfortunate development does not reflect the image of an administration that stands for the rule of law, justice, and fairness. We had hoped for a clean break from the unlawful actions of the past.”

He appealed to the state government to:

Cancel the appointment of Michael Sado.

Direct the Ukhomunyo branch of the Oteku Ruling House—whose turn it is to produce the Okuokpellagbe—to initiate a new selection process in compliance with the community’s declaration.

His remarks were echoed by Comrade Merry Omoalu, President of the Ukhomunyo Youth Association, who reaffirmed the community’s rejection of the selection process and called for its reversal.

Some leaders of the protest later held a closed-door meeting with the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Gani Audu, but details of their discussions were not disclosed.