The Edo State Government has warned against any form of self-help in the ongoing dispute over the Okpella traditional stool, emphasizing that the status quo must be maintained pending the conclusion of legal proceedings.
The warning followed a High Court ruling by Justice O. A. Otamere in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area, which held that Lukeman Akemokue, a former monarch who filed the case, was not given a fair hearing before his appointment was revoked and Michael Sado was installed as the new traditional leader.
Responding on behalf of the state government, Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, said the Attorney General had already initiated steps to appeal the judgment and secure a stay of execution.
“The Edo State Government hereby issues a firm and unambiguous warning to all parties regarding the recent court ruling on the Okpella traditional leadership.
While the Attorney General of the state has already commenced the process of appeal and stay of execution, we advise all parties to maintain the status quo to avoid any breakdown of law and order,” Ebea said.
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He added, “Let it be clearly stated 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.
No individual should interpret the judgment outside lawful means as the judiciary concludes its work.”
Ebea stressed that maintaining stability in the traditional institution is vital to preserving peace in the community.
He cautioned that any forceful takeover, intimidation, or interference with the affairs of the stool would not be tolerated and noted that security agencies were on red alert to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
He further reiterated that the government would act decisively against anyone threatening public order or the harmony of the community, urging all indigenes and interest groups to uphold peace and allow the legal process to take its course.