Okpella stool: Sado remains Okpella monarch, says Okpebholo

He said the status quo must be maintained pending the outcome of legal processes.

The Edo Governor was reacting to a High Court judgement delivered by Hon. Justice O.A Otamere which ruled that Lukeman Akemokue was not given a fair hearing by the Edo State government before his appointment as Okuokpellagbe of Okpella was revoked.

Governor Okpebholo, who spoke through his Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon Festus Ebea, said steps have been taken to file an appeal and secure a stay of execution.

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He noted that maintaining stability in the traditional institution remains critical to preserving peace in the community.

The Governor cautioned that acts such as forceful takeover, intimidation, or interference in the affairs of the traditional stool would not be tolerated, noting that security agencies have been placed on red alert to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

Okpebholo vowed not to allow any attempt to undermine judicial authority and appealed to all indigenes and interest groups in Okpella to avoid provocative actions, uphold peace, and allow due process to run its course.

According to him, "While the Attorney General of the state had already commenced the process of Appeal and stay of execution, we wish to advise all parties to maintain status-quo, to avoid any breakdown of law and order.

"Let it be stated clearly 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 judgement outside the lawful means as the judiciary concludes its work.

“The Edo State Government will act decisively against anyone found threatening public order or the harmony of the community,” he stated.