BENIN CITY – The community of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State is witnessing growing unrest as residents, including elderly citizens and people with disabilities, staged a protest on Wednesday over the dethronement of their traditional ruler and the alleged unlawful appointment of a replacement.

The demonstrators, primarily from the Ukhomunyo community, marched to the Edo State Government House and the palace of the Oba of Benin, carrying placards to express their dissatisfaction with what they described as the illegal removal of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella and the upcoming coronation of a new monarch.

They also criticized the use of the title “His Royal Majesty” for the new appointee, arguing that such a title is traditionally exclusive to the Oba of Benin and should not be extended to others.

According to the protesters, it is the Ukhomunyo community’s rightful turn to produce the next Okuokpellagbe, but they were sidelined during the selection process. They accused other quarters in Okpella of hijacking the appointment in defiance of established customs and traditions.

During the final days of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration, Lukman Akemokue was named the new Okuokpellagbe. However, the decision was met with resistance and ultimately annulled by the incoming government led by Senator Monday Okpebholo, who ordered a fresh selection process to ensure proper procedures were followed.

Subsequently, Michael Sado was nominated as the new Okuokpellagbe. However, the Ukhomunyo community claims that their traditional kingmakers were not included in the process, thereby questioning the legitimacy of the appointment.

High Chief Julius Ederefo, speaking on behalf of the Ukhomunyo Council of Village Heads, said:

“This unfortunate situation does not reflect a government that upholds the rule of law, fairness, and justice. We were hoping to see a departure from the irregularities of the past.”

He urged the governor to cancel the allegedly flawed selection process that led to Michael Sado’s emergence and to direct the Ukhomunyo branch of the Oteku Ruling House to initiate a fresh selection in accordance with traditional guidelines.

His appeal was supported by Comrade Merry Omoalu, President of the Ukhomunyo Youth Association, who also called for transparency and adherence to due process.

Later, some leaders of the protest met privately with the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Gani Audu, although the outcome of their discussions remains undisclosed.