Okpebholo pressed to take swift action to ease Agbede throne dispute

Tension is escalating in Edo State over the Agbede traditional throne, with community leaders warning that the dispute could spiral into crisis if authorities do not act quickly, according to the Ayuele Solidarity Front (ASF).

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The ASF claims the situation in Agbede community in Etsako West Local Government Area is becoming increasingly volatile and now requires urgent intervention by the Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and security agencies to prevent a breakdown of peace.

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In a statement issued on Sunday, the group alerted the government, security agencies, the media, and the general public to the rapidly escalating situation in the community, which was signed by several leaders of the coalition.

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Signatories to the statement include Hon. Zak Momoh, former member of the Edo State House of Assembly; Dr Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, Executive Director of the Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education; Barr. Faruk Mahmud, former Vice Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Area; and Mr Sanni Zuberu, a retired Chief Superintendent of Police.

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The dispute is rooted in the succession process that followed the death of the late traditional ruler, Oba M. S. Momodu, which later developed into a prolonged contest over the Agbede chieftaincy stool among his sons.

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A judgment delivered by the Federal High Court on January 12, 2026, affirmed the lawful order of succession based strictly on seniority among the sons of the late monarch, according to the coalition.

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However, the coalition stated that despite the ruling, a claimant to the throne was installed as Oba of Agbede before the Certified True Copy of the judgment could be obtained for proper implementation.

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The claimant and his supporters then forcibly broke into the Agbede Palace, which had been locked pending lawful installation procedures, further escalating the situation.

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Despite a formal suspension order issued by the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and a High Court injunction restraining the claimant from parading himself as Oba, he has continued to occupy the palace and present himself as the traditional ruler of Agbede.

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The Ayuele Solidarity Front has worked to calm the youth and prevent any resort to self-help, but the continued provocation, open defiance of court orders, and occupation of the palace have created a highly volatile atmosphere.

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The patience of the community is wearing thin, and there is now a clear and imminent risk of violent confrontation if urgent steps are not taken, the coalition warned.

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The coalition called on the Edo State Government and security agencies to take immediate steps to restore calm and ensure that lawful directives relating to the dispute are respected.

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It urged Governor Okpebholo to ensure that all directives and court orders concerning the chieftaincy matter are implemented, warning that prompt intervention would help stabilise the situation and reassure residents that the rule of law remains in force.

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The group also appealed to the police to deploy officers to maintain peace in the community and prevent further provocation, while asking the Department of State Services to examine activities surrounding the dispute.

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The Ayuele Solidarity Front remains firmly committed to peace, justice, and the lawful resolution of the chieftaincy matter, and has urged all sons and daughters of Ayuele Clan to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding as they await decisive government action.

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Other signatories to the statement include Alhaji Audu Mohammed Jamiu, President of AMCOSA; Hajia Fati Yesufu, Women Leader of the Ayuele Solidarity Front; Mallam Nurudeen Ibrahim, ASF Diaspora Representative; and several other members of the coalition.