Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has removed the traditional rulers of Ososo and Ikpeshi/Egbegere clans in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area over leadership disputes in their communities.
The affected monarchs are Bamidele Obaitan of Ososo Kingdom and Zaiki Luckman Odamah III of the Ikpeshi/Egbegere Clan.
Their dismissal was announced in a statement released on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Iklor.
According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo approved their removal “in the interest of peace, stability, and due process” after reviewing the issues surrounding the traditional leadership in both areas.
The statement added that Nicholas Odamah has been appointed as the Regent of the Ikpeshi/Egbegere Clan. The governor also directed the Elders of the Four Quarters (Unukhus), the Council of Chiefs, and the Elders of Ososo to consult widely and present a consensus candidate for the vacant stool of the Ososo Kingdom.
The SSG’s statement read, “Odamah shall oversee the affairs of the clan in a custodial capacity and ensure full cooperation with government directives. Submission of a consensus candidate shall be made through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs within a timeframe to be communicated formally by the Ministry. This process must reflect the customs, rotation principles, and collective will of the Ososo people.”
The government also ordered the deposed rulers to hand over all government properties and instruments of office to the Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Council immediately.
It was gathered that Odamah III had earlier protested the appointment of Prof. Roland Otaru (SAN) as the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
