The people of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State have finally elected a new monarch, the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, ending a six-year interregnum.
The selection took place earlier today, Saturday, 10th May 2025, at Ogute in Imiokewa, where kingmakers, agents, and observers were accredited under the supervision of the Okpella Traditional Council.
Present at the event were the Council Chairman, the Local Government Secretary, the Etsako East LGA Secretary and other heads of security agencies.
After a closely watched process, Mike Sado emerged victorious, securing the votes of 16 kingmakers out of 24, the highest among the contenders.
Chief Hanson Aimofumhe, Chairman of the selection committee, formally announced the result, paving the way for Sado’s ascension to the ancient throne.
The community had been without a ruler since 2018, when the former king, Alhaji A.Y.E. Dirisu, passed away, leaving the stool vacant. The prolonged delay stemmed from disputes within the Oteku ruling house, whose turn it was to produce the next monarch.
Matters came to a head last year when the outgoing administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki controversially installed Lukman Akemokue, a political ally, despite objections from community leaders. The move sparked division, prompting petitions and protests.
In response, Governor Monday Okpebholo ordered an investigation into Akemokue’s installation. Upon reviewing the findings, the governor nullified the appointment, ruling that due process had been bypassed. He directed fresh steps to elect a legitimate successor.
Following the dethronement, the Etsako East Local Government Council issued a formal directive on 7th May, instructing the Okpella Traditional Council and kingmakers to begin the selection process anew.
This followed a series of consultations, including a key meeting by the Okpella Traditional Council to finalise election arrangements. In accordance with government directives, the council agreed on the election date and publicly announced the resolution to ensure transparency.
A letter obtained by Spear News confirmed that the Edo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had authorised the move.
Signed by the Executive Chairman, Rt. Hon. Solomon Oghuma, the document noted that the traditional council had already convened on 3rd April and set today’s date for the election.
The venue, Imiokhewa Village Town Hall in Ogute-Oke, was chosen as the neutral ground for the exercise, with government officials present to ensure transparency. The letter stressed that this directive overrode any prior arrangements, bringing a decisive close to years of uncertainty.
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