Edo warns against violence after Okpella ruler removal, urging calm as government files appeal and seeks stay of execution

Festus Ebea, Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, on Friday warned residents of Okpella Kingdom in Edo State against resorting to self-help following a court judgment that removed the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Michael Eshiorenoya Sado.

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The warning followed a ruling delivered on Thursday, March 26, 2026, by Justice O.A. Otamere of the Edo State High Court sitting in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area, which sacked Mr Sado and reinstated Lukeman Oghehemhimhe Akemokhue as the rightful Okuokpellagbe.

In a strongly worded statement, Mr Ebea disclosed that the state Attorney-General had commenced the process of appeal and filed for a stay of execution of the judgment.

He urged all parties to maintain the status quo to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

“Let it be stated clearly that any act of self-help, forceful takeover, intimidation, or disruption of the traditional institution in Okpella by any party whatsoever is illegal, intolerable, and will attract the full weight of the law,” he said.

Mr Ebea emphasised that the government would not tolerate any attempt to undermine the judiciary, describing such actions as a direct threat to public order.

He added that security agencies had been placed on red alert to respond swiftly to any untoward developments.

The development has heightened tensions within the Okpella community, prompting authorities to issue a firm but measured call for restraint.

The Edo warns against violence stance, according to officials, is aimed at preserving peace while legal processes run their course.

Reacting to the judgment, Hanson Aimofumeh, spokesperson for the Okpella Traditional Council, urged residents to remain calm, insisting that the ruling would be challenged at the Court of Appeal.

Mr Aimofumeh questioned the legal basis of the judgment, arguing that Lukeman Akemokhue may have forfeited his claim by failing to earlier contest his removal through the State Executive Council as required by law.

“My appeal to the good people of Okpella is to remain calm and vigilant as all necessary legal remedies have been invoked to ensure that this blatant misinterpretation of the law is reversed,” he said.

He described the ruling as a “naked miscarriage of justice” and confirmed that legal steps had been initiated to overturn it.

Despite the dispute, Mr Aimofumeh reassured residents and the business community that security measures had been strengthened, urging them to continue their daily activities without fear.

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The unfolding situation underscores the fragile balance between traditional authority and judicial intervention, with the Edo warns against violence message serving as a crucial effort to prevent escalation while the appellate process proceeds.