Edo cautions against violent seizure of Okpella throne amid ongoing succession controversy

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The Edo State Government on Thursday warned groups and individuals planning to unleash mayhem on the Okpella community over the kingship tussle to desist from such acts.

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The government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, said the latest warning became necessary as it has credible intelligence indicating that certain unscrupulous elements, having already been cautioned, have brazenly defied the government’s earlier directive and are planning to disrupt the peace of the community.

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The government said it would not watch idly while lawless individuals and groups attempt to subvert the judicial process, undermine constituted authority, or hold an entire community hostage to their reckless ambitions.

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The statement read, “The Edo State Government hereby reiterates its unequivocal warning to all persons and groups plotting to destabilise the Okpella community following a recent court ruling on the area’s traditional leadership, that it will deal decisively with anyone found to have breached the peace in the community.

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“The government has credible intelligence indicating that certain unscrupulous elements, having already been cautioned, have brazenly defied its earlier directive and are now actively scheming to unleash mayhem on the community. The government will not watch idly while lawless individuals and groups attempt to subvert the judicial process, undermine constituted authority, or hold an entire community hostage to their reckless ambitions.

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“For the avoidance of doubt, no individual or faction possesses the right to self-appoint as an enforcer of any court ruling while the matter remains actively subject to appeal. The judiciary belongs to the state, and its processes will be respected and protected accordingly. All relevant security agencies are hereby placed on red alert, while law enforcement officers deployed to monitor the situation in Okpella are expected to remain vigilant.

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“Any act of self-help, forceful takeover, intimidation, harassment, or disruption of the traditional institution by any person, faction, or group is illegal, absolutely intolerable, and will attract an immediate and decisive government response. All law-abiding stakeholders, community leaders, and residents of Okpella are advised to remain calm, exercise restraint, and allow the judicial process to run its full and unobstructed course.”

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Recall that last Thursday, a High Court judgment delivered by Justice O. A. Otamere in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area, ruled that a former monarch of the community, Lukeman Akemokue, who instituted the case, was not given a fair hearing by the state government before the current monarch, Michael Sado, was installed as the new traditional leader of the community.

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Immediately after the judgment, the state government warned against any form of self-help in the dispute, insisting that the status quo must be maintained pending the outcome of legal processes.

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