The people of Okpella in Etsako-East Local Government Area of Edo State have denounced the alleged dissolution of the Ukhomunyio traditional palace by one Lukman Akemokue, whom they described as an ‘impostor’ to the Okuokpellagbe stool.
The concerned elder council noted that the Ukhomunyio traditional palace remains the only legally recognised palace by tradition and law until the proclamation and installation of a substantive Okuokpellagbe.
In a statement by its spokesman, James Imokemeh, made available to journalists on Monday, they declared the pronouncement by Akemokue on the Ukhomunyio palace at a press conference as none and void.
The statement read, “Akemokue and his agent have no power and authority from any of Okpella’s traditional council or chief to issue such proclamation or directive. Such directive or proclamation is hereby declared null and void and should be disregarded and ignored by all. Okpella people and the general public are urged to maintain peace always.”
The statement further noted that the usual assembly, meetings, and gatherings at the Okpella traditional council, which are normally held at Alhaji Andrew Dirisu palace, will continue until a substantive clan head is coroneted and installed by the Okpella kingmakers.
Recalled that the solid mineral-rich Edo community has been embroiled in the kingship crisis since the demise of Alhaji Andrew Dirisu in 2019 and the alleged ‘illegal appointment’ of Lukman Akemokue as Okuokpellagbe.
The Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration promised to look into the crisis that has claimed several lives and destroyed properties when the elder councils paid a courtesy call on him recently.
“You have reported the problem surrounding the Okuokpellagbe stool before me; I will assign the investigation to the local government commissioner and chieftaincy title.
“As soon as the investigation is completed and a report is given to me, I will ask the kingmakers to perform their duty and send me the details of the persons they selected,” the statement added.
