The Edo State Government has filed an appeal and a stay of execution against a recent High Court judgment concerning the Okpella traditional stool, while warning all parties against any act of self-help or forceful takeover.
The development follows a ruling by a High Court sitting in Fugar, which set aside the revocation of Lukman Akemokue’s appointment as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.
The court held that Akemokue was not given a fair hearing before his removal by the State Executive Council.
In a press statement signed by the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea, the government cautioned that any attempt to bypass the judiciary or disrupt the traditional institution would not be tolerated.
The state government confirmed that the Office of the Attorney General had already commenced the process of appealing the judgment and seeking a stay of execution.
While the legal process continues, the government directed all parties to maintain the status quo to avoid any breakdown of law and order.
The statement noted that the State Executive Council had earlier revoked Akemokue’s appointment after investigating claims of noncompliance with the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict, 1979, following written presentations and rallies by members of the Okpella community.
The selection process was later completed in May 2025 after the government directed that it be concluded from the point it was truncated in 2019 due to fears of a breakdown of law and order.
In its statement, the Edo State Government issued a firm warning to all parties involved, declaring that any act of self-help would be met with the full weight of the law.
“Let it be stated clearly that any act of self-help, forceful takeover, intimidation, or disruption of the traditional institution in Okpella by any party whatsoever is illegal, intolerable, and will attract the full weight of the law,” the statement read.
The commissioner added that security agencies have been placed on red alert to forestall any untoward development and warned that the government would act decisively against anyone threatening public order.
“We will therefore not tolerate any attempt to bypass the judiciary or undermine its authority as a result,” the statement added.
Traditional Institution Heads to Appeal Court
Meanwhile, the legal team representing the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella has also announced plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
In a statement earlier issued by the Spokesman of the Palace of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, High Chief Hanson Aimofumeh, the Palace described the judgment as a “blatant misinterpretation of the law” and a “naked miscarriage of justice,” the monarch’s counsel noted that the trial judge failed to consider critical provisions of the Bendel State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict, 1979, which is applicable to Edo State.
Chief Aimofumeh pointed out that the edict provides an avenue for a traditional ruler who feels wrongfully removed to first petition the State Executive Council for a fair hearing before approaching any court.
“The Court of Appeal is being approached to interpret and determine whether Lukman Akemokue slept on his right when he failed to challenge his removal by petitioning the State Executive Council, as provided for by law,” the legal team stated.
Both the Edo State Government and the legal team for the Okuokpellagbe have appealed to residents of Okpella to remain calm and go about their lawful activities without fear.
The government urged all stakeholders, community members, and groups within the Okpella community to avoid provocative actions and allow the judicial process to unfold without obstruction.
The monarch’s legal team similarly assured that all security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of lives and property within the community and beyond.
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