The Ukhomuyio Concerned Citizens have accused the Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Paul Ohonbamu, of alleged bias and procedural lapses in handling the ongoing traditional leadership dispute in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area.
In a strongly worded statement, the group said it was disappointed that a high-level meeting convened in Benin to address sensitive chieftaincy issues allegedly exposed what it described as inadequate investigation and “misleading recommendations” capable of escalating tensions within the community.
The group claimed that previous revocation letters affecting traditional appointees in Ososo and Ikpeshi were achieved through political solution and signed by the same commissioner, despite ongoing legal proceedings at the time.
According to the statement, the atmosphere of the meeting was further strained by remarks allegedly made by Mike Sado, described by the group as a controversial claimant to the traditional stool.
The group alleged that threats to dethrone village heads and order arrests were made in the presence of the commissioner, a development it said would form part of a formal petition to the Edo State Governor.
They warned that any attempt to intimidate elders or impose decisions contrary to tradition would be resisted through lawful means including peaceful protest.
Central to the dispute is the recent turbanning of certain individuals as village heads and chiefs. The group maintained that such appointments contravene established customs, which require kindreds to nominate candidates before presentation for formal recognition.
They further argued that the turbanning exercise lacked broad community acceptance, pointing to the absence of prominent political leaders and stakeholders at the event as evidence of alleged rejection.
The statement also challenged claims surrounding community development projects.
According to the group, the MCC road project is part of a Community Development Agreement involving the Dangote Group, while the 400 scholarship programme was solely an initiative of BUA Cement under its corporate social responsibility commitments since 2019.
The group further alleged that construction materials donated for community projects, including a police station, were diverted, adding that investigations were ongoing and details would be made public at the appropriate time.
Despite the strong allegations, the Ukhomuyio Concerned Citizens urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, insisting that the struggle is aimed at preserving long-standing traditions rather than fostering division.
They expressed confidence that lawful processes and state intervention would ultimately resolve the crisis, while reaffirming their commitment to protecting Okpella’s cultural heritage and communal values.
