In a powerful show of unity and resistance, traditional leaders, youths, women, and persons living with disabilities from the Ukhomunyio village in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, staged a major protest today against what they described as an illegal and undemocratic imposition of Michael Sado as the Okuokpellagbe (traditional ruler) of Okpella.

The demonstrators first marched to the Edo State Government House in Benin City, where they submitted a strongly worded petition to Governor Monday Okpebholo, before proceeding to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, where they sought the monarch’s intervention in the unfolding traditional leadership crisis.

Holding placards with inscriptions such as “Okpella Tradition Must Be Respected”, “No to Illegal Installation”, and “Ukhomunyio Demands Justice”, the protesters condemned what they called the “kangaroo process” that led to the purported selection and presentation of the staff of office to Mr. Michael Sado.

The group, speaking under the banner of the Concerned Citizens of Ukhomunyio, described Sado’s emergence as Okuokpellagbe as a “travesty and a blatant violation of both the traditional selection process and the extant customary laws governing succession in Okpella.”

In their official statement titled “Re: Position of Ukhomunyio Concerned Citizens on the Selection of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella”, the group expressed deep disappointment over what they described as the state government’s failure to uphold the law despite earlier assurances.

“The Okpella community received the Governor’s April 30, 2025 press release with joy and hope. It promised a credible process anchored on the extant law. Yet, a select few ignored this directive and unlawfully installed Michael Sado,” the statement read.

They cited specific violations of the Declaration of Customary Law Regulating Succession to the Traditional Title of Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, particularly the failure to allow the Ukhomunyio branch of the Oteku Ruling House, whose turn it is to produce the next Okuokpellagbe, to properly nominate a candidate.

According to the protesters, “No meeting of adult males of the appropriate branch was convened. No Kingmakers were involved. Instead, a theatrical selection process led by a non-existent electoral body allocated scores arbitrarily, with Mr. Sado reportedly awarded 16 points and other so-called candidates given none.”

They also reminded the Governor that any action contrary to the Declaration of Customary Law and the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict of 1979 is unlawful and void, emphasizing that “the issuance of staff of office to Michael Sado constitutes a breach of both law and tradition.”

The group urged Governor Okpebholo to immediately:

1. Cancel the appointment of Michael Sado.
2. Direct the Ukhomunyio branch of the Oteku Ruling House to begin a proper, lawful selection process.
3. Uphold justice and the rule of law to restore faith in government and traditional institutions.

The delegation also made an emotional appeal to the Oba of Benin, describing him as the custodian of Edo traditions and a father figure whose moral authority could help guide the resolution of the crisis.

“We are not against the institution of the Okuokpellagbe,” one of the leaders High Chief Julius Ederefo, said. “We are fighting for the sanctity of our culture and the rule of law. A traditional ruler imposed without due process cannot command the respect or loyalty of the people.”

As the protest ended peacefully, the community said it awaits official response from the state government and the Oba’s palace.

A philanthropist, Joseph Aondoana, has donated a Hilux truck, 5 motorbikes and a police station to Aondoana community in Gwer-West Local Government Area (LGA), of Benue State, as part of efforts to curb insecurity occasioned by herdsmen attacks.

The donation of the items, including bags of Rice, maggi, salt and jars of palm oil to members of the community followed a recent attack on Aondoana by armed herdsmen, wherein 15 persons, including a two-year old child was hacked to death.

Aondoana, also appealed to the political class in the state to stop the bickering that had left them divided, close ranks and works towards bringing an end to the incessant killings in the state.

Therefore, he called on the State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, as well as other politicians to follow his footsteps and donate to communities affected by herdsmen attacks, stressing that with their contributions the fight against insecurity in Benue communities would register major successes.

Addressing the people of the community, Aondoana, stressed that he would do anything possible within the ambit of the law to ensure that their security was guaranteed.

While he pledged that he would assist with certain logistics for the upkeep of the security personnel posted to the area, he promised to fuel and maintain the vehicles and bikes, for effective service delivery.

The philanthropist who charged members of the community to take ownership of the items, informed that even though he had donated the vehicle and bikes, they actually belong to the community.

Furthermore, Aondoana, laid the foundation of a Police post in the area, adding that he would ensure that the structure, with staff quarters were completed and handed over to the police in under three months.

He appealed to members of the community to endeavor to provide the necessary information to security agencies at all times, so as to enable them tackle the insecurity in the area.

Also speaking at the event, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), in charge of Naka, headquarters of Gwer-West LGA, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Charles Gadzama, identified with the people of the community for the pains they were going through.

The DPO who pledged to put in his best to address the insecurity in the LGA, however solicited the support of the people of the area, noting that he cannot do it alone.

He urged them to be resilient; put their trust in him and he would in turn trust them to provide him with credible intelligence and believed that together they would weather the storm and restore the peace that has eluded them.

Receiving the items, the Ter Nagi, HRH Chief Daniel Abomtse, represented by the Kindred Head, Puuanakaa, Zaki Jen Ukura, thanked Joseph Aondoana, for the step he has taken to ensure that his people were secure.

He further advised them to at all times provided credible intelligence that can be put to use.

In a powerful demonstration of compassion and community service, the IBD Dende Foundation marked this year’s Eid al-Adha celebration with a two-day humanitarian outreach tagged “Ileya of Hope: Eid Beyond Sacrifice” at the Chief’s palace in Durumi, Abuja. Held from June 5th to 6th, 2025, the initiative aimed to share food, health, and love with those in need, in the true spirit of the season.

The event, powered by the IBD Dende Foundation under the leadership of its founder, Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, brought smiles to the faces of the beneficiaries. This year’s program, themed “Eid Beyond Sacrifice”, went beyond the rituals of the Sallah celebration by offering tangible support through a combination of humanitarian relief and free medical services.

Hundreds of beneficiaries were treated to a grand Sallah feast, where items were shared in a festive atmosphere filled with gratitude and joy. In addition to the feast, the foundation distributed special IBD-branded gift packs and food items to families, ensuring that no one was left out of the celebration. The outreach also included a comprehensive range of free medical services such as blood pressure and sugar level checks, minor treatments, first aid, malaria testing, medication, and health education sessions focused on hygiene and wellness.

Volunteers and health professionals from the Support and Help Outpatient Foundation SHOF, worked tirelessly throughout the two days, embodying the foundation’s mission of “Touching Lives, Spreading Hope.” A Representative from the IBD Dende Foundation, Dr. David Owah emphasized that the goal was not just to feed and treat people physically, but to uplift them emotionally and spiritually during a time that should be joyous for all.

“Eid is not just about sacrifice, it is about sharing. Our aim is to bring hope to these communities who have lost so much, and to remind them that they are not forgotten,” David Owah stated.

A beneficiary, expressed deep appreciation for the gesture, visibly moved by the support, said, “This is more than just food and medicine. It shows that someone cares. It gives us hope.”

The presence and leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun continue to inspire similar acts of kindness across Nigeria, as his foundation remains committed to reaching out to the needy, especially during times of national festivity.

The “Ileya of Hope” outreach stands as a shining example of how faith-based philanthropy can play a critical role in fostering inclusion, dignity, and well-being in underserved communities. Meanwhile, as the nation celebrates Eid, the IBD Dende Foundation’s intervention serves as a reminder that true sacrifice lies in giving wholeheartedly to those who can offer nothing in return.