Tension has risen in Edo State following a peaceful protest staged in Benin City by elders and physically challenged persons from the Ukhomunyo clan in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area.

The protesters voiced strong opposition to the selection and planned installation of Michael Sado as the new Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, following the recent Okpella’s Okpella’s Akemokue by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Protesters Reject Process, Demand Justice

The demonstrators, led by High Chief Julius Ederefo, representing the Ukhomunyo Council of Village Heads, claimed that the selection process violated traditional protocols and marginalized their rightful claim to the throne.

• “Our kingmakers were excluded from the selection process,” Ederefo said.
• “It is the turn of the Ukhomunyo branch of the Oteku Ruling House to produce the next Okuokpellagbe, and any attempt to install another candidate is unjust and illegal.”

They described the process that led to Michael Sado’s emergence as monarch as flawed, unlawful, and contrary to the customary laws and chieftaincy declaration governing the selection of a traditional ruler in Okpella.

The group urged Governor Okpebholo to:

• Cancel the current selection process
• Respect the rotational system
• Allow the Ukhomunyo clan to produce their rightful candidate
• Youths Vow to Sustain Protest

Comrade Merry Omoalu, President of the Ukhomunyo Youth Association, echoed the elders’ sentiments, vowing that the protest would continue until their demands are met.

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“We will not stop until this injustice is corrected. The people of Ukhomunyo deserve fairness,” Omoalu declared.

Background

The Okuokpellagbe stool is a highly revered traditional position in Okpella. Governor Okpebholo had earlier removed Lukman Akemokue, sparking fresh moves to fill the royal seat. Michael Sado has since been named the new monarch and is expected to be installed next month.

However, the legitimacy of his emergence is now being fiercely contested by the Ukhomunyo clan, who insist that due process was ignored.

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