Tension has erupted in Okpella community, Edo State, following Governor Godwin Obaseki’s appointment of Lukman Akemokhue as the new Okuogbellagbe of Okpella.
The community leaders, elders, and residents staged a protest, condemning the appointment as an imposition that disregards long-established traditions.
The protest came a day after the Edo State Government officially presented a letter of appointment to Akemokhue at the Ministry of Local Government.
The letter, signed and presented by Commissioner Monday Osaigbovo, confirmed Akemokhue’s appointment, effective from September 26, 2024.
Osaigbovo expressed optimism about the development, stating that the people of Okpella would be happy, and development would be rapid following the installation of the new king.
Akemokhue, in his acceptance speech, thanked the state government, security agencies, Okpella kingmakers, and the people of Okpella for the opportunity to serve.
However, the community vehemently rejected the appointment, citing violations of their traditions and potential crisis. Prominent community leader Abu Abdulganiyu accused Obaseki of attempting to impose a king on the people of Okpella.
Abdulganiyu emphasized, “The traditional stool is not a tool for political bartering or compensation, and its sanctity must be respected. We have a king, and we know who we want. Obaseki can’t impose a king on us when he has few weeks to leave office.”
Recently, Governor Obaseki has faced criticism for his handling of traditional institutions, including an offer to place traditional rulers on monthly salaries, deemed “criminal and awkward” by the Edo Diaspora Action Committee ¹.
