—Insists Mike Sado duly elected by kingmakers, warns troublemakers to desist
The Edo State Government has declared that the stool of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella is not vacant, warning individuals and groups attempting to stir controversy over the traditional institution to desist forthwith.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday by the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, the government described recent petitions, allegations, and press releases emanating from a group calling itself the Ukhomuyio Group as frivolous and mischievous.
The government stated that the kingship matter was conclusively resolved nearly a year ago, with His Royal Majesty, Mike Olorunfemi Sado, validly elected and duly installed.
According to the statement, the election of the Okuokpellagbe was conducted on 10th May 2025 by the twenty-four kingmakers at the traditional venue in Imiokewa-Ogute.
Prince Mike Sado polled sixteen valid votes to emerge as the rightful occupant of the stool. The government noted that the process was transparent, conducted in line with extant chieftaincy laws, and witnessed by representatives of the local government, without any interference from the state government.
“The Governor of the state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, did not at all interfere with the process. 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”, Afegbua stated.
The statement further disclosed that those who were dissatisfied with the outcome had approached the court, but their case was dismissed barely two weeks ago for lacking merit.
The government added that the Okuokpellagbe was subsequently presented with his staff of office at an official coronation on 5th July 2025, in full compliance with enabling laws.
Against this background, the government expressed alarm that certain elements within the Okpella community continued to claim that the stool was vacant, describing such assertions as grossly irresponsible and vainglorious.
Afegbua noted that the present King had endeared himself to his people through affability and personal developmental strides across the community, adding that majority of Okpella people endorsed his leadership approach and the inclusivity of his decision-making.
The Commissioner quoted the King as declaring that the era of sharing community resources into private pockets was gone, vowing that resources accruing to the community would henceforth be used for collective development.
The Edo State Government warned that it would not hesitate to invoke the full wrath of the law against anyone or their sponsors attempting to create crises to disrupt the peace of Okpella. It added that beyond arrest, such persons would be prosecuted according to the law, noting that murder cases linked to the chieftaincy matter were already being prosecuted and would be followed to logical conclusions.
“Those who are still laying nebulous claims to the Okuokpellagbe stool are by this statement called to order,” Afegbua said. “That matter was concluded almost a year ago; and having recognized the duly elected King, by Staff of Office, it is irresponsible for anybody or group to insinuate, purport, declare and state that the stool is VACANT.”
The government urged relevant security agencies to be on alert regarding the activities of those it described as troublesome elements working to foment trouble. It concluded by calling on all residents to join hands with Governor Okpebholo in delivering on his promises to Edo State and its people without distraction.
“To be forewarned is to be forearmed; and a word should be enough for the wise,” the statement added.
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