I don't interfere in traditional matters, says Okpebholo
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said that his administration does interfere in traditional matters especially the selection of traditional rulers. Governor Okpebholo said he never interfered in the selection
- By Osagie Otabor, Benin
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said that his administration does interfere in traditional matters especially the selection of traditional rulers.
Governor Okpebholo said he never interfered in the selection processes of His Royal Majesty, Mike Olorunfemi Sado, as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.
The Edo Governor said the present Okuokpellagbe was validly elected by majority of the Kingmakers in Okpella on through a process that was transparently conducted without let or hindrance, and in line with the existing Chieftaincy extant laws and edicts.
He spoke in a statement signed by his Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua.
The statement said it was a deliberate and sheer mischief for anyone to accuse the Governor either remotely or otherwise of meddling with the affairs of picking a king for Okpella Kingdom.
"Since Governor Okpebholo assumed office, he has neither interfered with traditional matters nor foisted anyone into the position of King on any community in the state. He upholds that traditional issues be left in the hands of those who are custodians of the traditions in the various communities by law. By that resolve, he has been able to restore peace and tranquility to many communities that were hitherto embroiled in Chieftaincy squabbles.
"The Okuokpellagbe election by the kingmakers followed due process in electing the present King. Those who were not satisfied with the outcome went to court, and the case was dismissed barely two weeks ago, as a case lacking merit.
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"Despite and in spite of the pristine and pellucid transparency and due process, some elements within the Okpella Community are hellbent on creating unnecessary distractions for the government of the day and the present Okuokpellagbe-in-Council."
"The Okuokpellagbe of Okpella was served his rightful staff of office at the official coronation on 5th July, 2025 in accordance with the enabling laws; it is therefore grossly irresponsible of any group, no matter its makeup, to continue to this day to vaingloriously claim that the stool is vacant."
Governor Okpebholo said majority of Okpella people endorsed the current Okuokpellagbe's leadership approach, and the level of inclusion they experience in his decision making processes.
He said his administration would not hesitate to invoke the full wrath of the law on anyone and or their sponsors, trying to create ill-conceived crises to disrupt the peace of Okpella.
"We will not just arrest those who are causing mayhem, we will go the full length to prosecute them according to the law; the murder cases linked to this matter are presently being prosecuted, and will be followed to their logical conclusions. Those who want to feast on community resources to advance their selfish and personal interests, will also be prosecuted once any wrong."
