By Nefishetu Yakubu
In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves across Edo State’s traditional institutions, the Edo State Government has dethroned three traditional rulers across two local government areas for allegedly flouting established traditional and legal codes.
Umoru Inusa Umoru was booted out as the Aidenogie of South Ibie in Etsako West, with the government immediately reinstating Alhaji Aliyu Kelvin Danesi to the royal seat.
Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Umar Ikhilor, made the announcement in a statement issued Monday in Benin.
Ikhilor revealed that Umoru’s removal was based on findings that “the Aidenogie stool was not allegedly vacant prior to his appointment.”
In another dramatic twist, Lukman Akemokue was stripped of his title as Okuokpellagbe of Okpella in Etsako East for allegedly violating traditional succession laws.
His dethronement, the government said, stemmed from “non-compliance with the Bendel State Legal Notice 132 of 1979, guiding traditional succession.”
Also dethroned was Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor, the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom in Agenebode, Etsako East, who was already under suspension before his final removal.
Egabor’s ouster, according to the statement, came in the wake of “repeated incidents of kidnappings and killings reported within his domain.”
The statement further noted: “The Executive Council of Edo approved these revocations at its meeting held on Tuesday, April 29.”
Government also assured that the lawful selection process to fill the now-vacant royal positions of Okuokpellagbe of Okpella and Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom would soon commence.
Citizens in the affected areas were urged to remain calm “as the government works to preserve order, unity, prosperity, and communal harmony statewide.” (NAN)
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