The Edo State Government on Thursday warned groups and individuals planning to cause unrest in the Okpella community over the kingship dispute to desist from such actions.
The warning was issued in a statement by the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, after the government received credible intelligence that some individuals, despite previous cautions, were preparing to disrupt the community’s peace.
“The Edo State Government hereby reiterates its unequivocal warning to all persons and groups plotting to destabilise the Okpella community following a recent court ruling on the area’s traditional leadership, that it will deal decisively with anyone found to have breached the peace in the community.
The government has credible intelligence indicating that certain unscrupulous elements, having already been cautioned, have brazenly defied its earlier directive and are now actively scheming to unleash mayhem on the community.
The government will not watch idly while lawless individuals and groups attempt to subvert the judicial process, undermine constituted authority, or hold an entire community hostage to their reckless ambitions.
For the avoidance of doubt, no individual or faction possesses the right to self-appoint as an enforcer of any court ruling while the matter remains actively subject to appeal.
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The judiciary belongs to the state, and its processes will be respected and protected accordingly.
All relevant security agencies are hereby placed on red alert, while law enforcement officers deployed to monitor the situation in Okpella are expected to remain vigilant.
“Any act of self-help, forceful takeover, intimidation, harassment, or disruption of the traditional institution by any person, faction, or group is illegal, absolutely intolerable, and will attract an immediate and decisive government response.
All law-abiding stakeholders, community leaders, and residents of Okpella are advised to remain calm, exercise restraint, and allow the judicial process to run its full and unobstructed course.”
Last Thursday, a High Court judgment delivered by Justice O. A. Otamere in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area, ruled that former monarch Lukeman Akemokue was not given a fair hearing before the installation of the current traditional ruler, Michael Sado.
Following the judgment, the state government cautioned against any form of self-help, insisting that the status quo be maintained pending the outcome of ongoing legal processes.