‘Edo does not meddle in monarchs’ appointments’

The Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, has said that the state government has no hand in the appointment of traditional rulers in the state.

He stated that since Governor Monday Okpebholo assumed office, he has neither interfered with traditional matters nor foisted anyone into the position of king in any community in the state, leaving traditional issues in the hands of those who are custodians of traditions in the various communities by law.

The commissioner noted this in a statement on Tuesday while responding to accusations by “one faceless Ukhomuyio Group” that Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Michael Sado, is involved in financial impropriety and usurping the throne.

He also warned that the government should not be used to whip up unnecessary sentiment over the concluded issue of the stool of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.

Afegbua said the king was validly elected by the majority of the kingmakers in Okpella on May 10, 2025, through a process that was transparently conducted, and in line with the existing chieftaincy extant laws and edicts.

The statement reads, “The air has been inundated lately with press releases, petitions, allegations, accusations and counter-accusations, on a summation of frivolities, launched by one faceless Ukhomuyio Group, Okpella, accusing His Royal Majesty, Michael Sado of financial impropriety, and of usurping the throne of his forefathers.

“This same faceless group with no forwarding address, also accused me, the Honourable Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, of being the mastermind behind happenings back home in Okpella; obliquely intended to whip up unfounded sentiments concerning the long concluded issue of the stool of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.

“The facts must be stated that the current king, His Royal Majesty, Mike Sado sits heavy on the stool, and it is enshrined.”

Afegbua said the statement became necessary and timely to set the record straight and encourage wailers who have vaulted into the matter, to put their breath to better use.

He added, “The present Okuokpellagbe was validly elected by the majority of the kingmakers in Okpella on 10th May 2025, through a process that was transparently conducted without let or hindrance, and in line with the existing Chieftaincy extant laws and edicts.

“As provided, the responsibility of electing the king was vested in the 24 kingmakers who assembled at the traditional venue in Imiokewa-Ogute, to elect one out of the many that contested the traditional stool. The present king emerged after polling 16 valid votes out of the 24 bona fide votes.

“The governor of the state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, did not interfere with the process. The Local Government representatives were present as observers to witness the transparent process that produced the current Okuokpellagbe of Okpella. It is therefore, deliberate and sheer mischief for anyone to accuse the governor either remotely or otherwise of meddling with the affairs of that day.

“In fact, since Governor Okpebholo assumed office, he has neither interfered with traditional matters nor foisted anyone into the position of a king in any community in the state. He upholds that traditional issues be left in the hands of those who are custodians of the traditions in the various communities by law.

“By that resolve, he has been able to restore peace and tranquillity to many communities that were hitherto embroiled in chieftaincy squabbles. He deserves the commendation of all for insisting that due process be followed in such sensitive matters of culture and tradition.

“The Okuokpellagbe election by the kingmakers followed due process in electing the present King. Those who were not satisfied with the outcome went to court, and the case was dismissed barely two weeks ago, as a case lacking merit.

Afegbua said that despite the transparency and due process, some elements within the Okpella Community are hell-bent on creating unnecessary distractions for the government of the day and the present Okuokpellagbe-in-Council.

He stated that The Okuokpellagbe of Okpella was served his rightful staff of office at the official coronation on 5th July, 2025 in accordance with the enabling laws; noting that it is grossly irresponsible of any group, no matter its makeup, to continue to this day to vaingloriously claim that the stool is vacant.