By Ozioruva Aliu
BENIN CITY – THE Edo state government on Tuesday threatened legal action against anybody trying to obstruct peace in Okpella community in Etsako East local government area arising from the inauguration of the traditional ruler, Okuokpellagbe of Okpella saying the “stool is fully seated.”
There have been recent protests against the monarch, HRM Michael Sado with group recently protesting his ascension and petitioning the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) against him.
But a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua said those threatening the peace of the community should rather join the king to develop the community adding that a suit instituted against Sado’s ascension was recebtly dismissed by the court.
According to him, Governor Monday Okpebholo allowed the due process to be followed in the appointment of Sado without interference and said those against his ascension should not deral the development of the community and the state in general.
Afegbua said “This statement is necessary, and timely too, to set the records straight, and encourage wailers and ultracrepidarians who have vaulted into the matter, to put their breath to better use.
“As provided, the responsibility of electing the King was vested in the twenty four Kingmakers who assembled at the traditional venue in Imiokewa-Ogute, to elect one out of the many that contested the traditional stool. Engr. Prince Mike Sado, emerged after polling 16 valid votes out of the 24 bona fide votes. The Governor of the state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, did not at all interfere with the process. The Local Government representatives were present as observers to witness the transparent process that produced the current Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.”
He said 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.
This statement serves to place the relevant security agencies on alert about the activities of these troublesome elements, who are working very hard to foment trouble, inter alia.
Majority of Okpella people endorse his leadership approach, and the level of inclusion they experience in his decision making processes. On the few occasions that he visited the Executive Governor of the state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, he spoke cogently about his plans to reposition the Okpella Community for greater opportunities and achievements.
The government of Edo state will 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-doing is preferred against them.
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