Edo Community Warns of Possible Tension Over Lingering Kingship Dispute
The people of Ikpeshi in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to urgently intervene in the lingering kingship crisis in the community, warning that failure to resolve the dispute could trigger further tension and threaten lives, property and economic activities. Speaking with journalists on behalf of the community on Thursday, Ms Peggy Agbo said the latest development followed the Edo State Government’s decision to revoke the regency of HRH Nicholas Odamah III and appoint Lukeman Momodu as his replacement. She said the move had generated considerable concern and dissatisfaction among sections of the community. According to Agbo, the government, through the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, had explained that the decision was informed by disputes over traditional leadership in the clan and taken in the interest of peace, stability and due process. However, she questioned the reasons for the reported removal, asking what new developments had emerged since the government initially intervened in the dispute. Agbo maintained that the existing regent had brought peace and tranquillity to the Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan and urged the governor to suspend the action and reconsider the decision. She warned that an escalation of the crisis could result in loss of lives, destruction of property, disruption of business activities and lasting divisions among families and kindreds.
The community spokesperson called for impartial engagement, adherence to due process and an urgent government intervention to restore confidence in the institutions handling the dispute. She also appealed to Okpebholo to reverse the decision as communicated by the Secretary to the State Government, describing the governor as a man of peace. However, the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, defended the government’s action, saying it was based on court decisions. “What I can say on the matter is that the state government took the decision based on the court decision,” Afegbua said. The kingship dispute in Ikpeshi has continued for months, with rival claims over the traditional stool prompting repeated government interventions. The latest disagreement has renewed calls for a lasting resolution, as residents express concern over the possible consequences of prolonged uncertainty surrounding traditional leadership in the community.
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