…Elected by Kingmakers Following Deposition of Lukman Akemokue

By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY — Barely two weeks after the deposition of Lukman Akemokue by the Edo State Government, Engr. Michael Sado, an engineer from Ukhumoyio, Afopkella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, has been elected as the new Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.

Sado was elected on Saturday by the 24-member Kingmakers of Okpella, following Akemokue’s removal from the throne. The state government had earlier revoked Akemokue’s appointment, citing his failure to comply with the Customary Law of Succession as outlined in the Bendel State Legal Notice 132 of 1979.

Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Dr. Hanson Aimofumeh, announced that 11 contestants vied for the revered position, with the kingmakers adhering to traditional protocols during the selection process.

Dr. Aimofumeh declared Sado the winner with 16 votes, the highest among the candidates.

“By the power conferred on me as the chairman of the electoral committee, I hereby declare Engr. Michael Sado as the new traditional ruler of Okpella, having scored the highest number of votes,” Aimofumeh announced.

“I hereby direct the appropriate branch of Ukhumoyio, and by virtue of Section 6 of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Act, to install Engr. Michael Sado as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.”

Shortly after his victory, Sado visited his late grandfather’s palace, where the traditional rites for his installation began, marking the commencement of his journey to the throne.

The Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area, Solomon Oghumah, described the election process as free and transparent. He congratulated the new monarch and wished him a successful reign.

In his acceptance speech, Engr. Michael Sado expressed gratitude to the Edo State Government led by Sen. Monday Okpebholo for upholding due process during the selection.

“This is a new dawn in Okpella. I want to thank the Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, for ensuring due process in the selection of the King of Okpella,” Sado said.

He also acknowledged the kingmakers for entrusting him with the leadership of Okpella.

“Okpella should expect a lot from me. I am someone they have known for a long time, and I have been doing a lot for the community. I can assure them that the Okpella they know is going to be different from today onward,” he added confidently.

The installation rites for Engr. Michael Sado are expected to continue according to Okpella’s traditional customs, setting the stage for his official coronation as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.