By Seyi Odewale
The people of the Okpella community in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo state have appealed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government of Monday Okpebholo not to legitimize Lukeman Akemokue as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.
The community noted that Akemokue was not only unqualified for the revered seat but was forced on the community by the immediate past government of Godwin Obaseki as compensation for his infamous role in the administration.
In a statement, a spokesman for the community in Kano State, Mr Aigbojele Omonamo, said the appeal became necessary for some governor’s aides who were unaware of the issue surrounding the Okuokpellagbe seat.
Omonamo condemned a recent write-up by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Fred Itua, in which he (Itua) called Akemokue the Okuokpellagbe.
The spokesman emphasised that Itua needed to be reminded that the community’s elders and kingmakers had met with the governor over the issue.
“Itua and other aides to the governor need to desist from ascribing the revered seat of Okuokpellagbe to Lukeman Akemokue.
“It is common knowledge that he (Akemokue) was never the people’s choice; he was forced on us and against our wish. Whom the kingmakers choose is very much known to everybody.
“One of the infamous things he did was to use thugs to chase APC supporters away during the just concluded Edo governorship election to prevent Okpebholo from winning his ward.
“We are peace-loving people, and as such, the people have toed the line of peace by explaining the contending issues on the Okuokpellagbe seat to the governor upon assumption of office.
“One strong APC supporter by the name of Julius was a victim of his onslaught where he was inflicted with injuries with a machete. All these were ploy to deny Okpebholo’s victory in Okpella. Yes, that was why he was presented with the office staff just a few days before the end of Obaseki’s administration.
“The same man is now playing humility and loyalty to the person he never wanted as governor,” Omonamo explained.
Omonamo appealed to the public to refrain from ascribing Akemokue to the Okuokpellagbe seat until the governor settles the matter.
