Edo lawmakers summon CP Agbonika over the arrest of a traditional ruler in the Assembly complex during a peace meeting with Ikpeshi factions

Edo Assembly summons police leadership to account for the controversial arrest of a traditional ruler within the legislative complex.

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The House of Assembly issued the summons on Monday, directing the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, to appear before an executive session at 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

The traditional ruler, invited as part of a peace dialogue with warring factions from Ikpeshi community, was reportedly arrested by officers of the Edo Police Command in what lawmakers described as a breach of legislative protocol and disrespect for the institution.

Raising a motion of urgent public importance during plenary, Majority Leader Jonathan Aigbokhan condemned the arrest, stating it was inappropriate for police officers to detain someone formally invited by the House within its premises.

Other lawmakers echoed the sentiment, demanding the monarch’s immediate release and calling on security agencies to respect legislative proceedings.

Speaker Blessing Agbebaku described the incident as a “sacrilegious act” and a direct affront to the authority of the Assembly.

We are not disputing the right of the police to arrest, but they should not have done so inside the premises of the Assembly complex.

“If the arrest was necessary, it should have been carried out in Ikpeshi, not here.”

The arrest occurred after a previous meeting held on 18 June, where both Ikpeshi factions were instructed by the Assembly to maintain peace and suspend hostilities over kingship and revenue disputes pending resolution.

The House has also summoned the factions involved in the Ikpeshi conflict to further investigate the causes of the violence that has rocked the community in recent weeks.

In the same session, the Assembly adopted a resolution urging the state government and police authorities to address the rising incidents of police brutality.

The motion, sponsored by Oredo West lawmaker Richard Edosa, called for human rights training for police personnel across Edo State.

Separately, the House confirmed Sonia Ebanehita’s appointment as Chair of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board after her successful screening by the Committee on Rules and Business.

While addressing protesting youths from Oghede community over alleged land encroachment by the Nigerian Army, Speaker Agbebaku promised to set up a committee to investigate their claims.

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The Assembly reaffirmed its role as a watchdog of democracy, demanding transparency and accountability from all arms of government, including security agencies.