AfriPulse
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has removed the traditional rulers of the Ososo and Ikpeshi/Egbegere clans in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
The traditional rulers affected are Bamidele Obaitan of Ososo Kingdom and Zaiki Luckman Odamah III of Ikpeshi/Egbegere clan.
The removal was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Ikhlor.
The statement confirmed that Governor Okpebholo revoked the appointments of both monarchs “in the interest of peace, stability, and due process,” after reviewing the ongoing traditional leadership disputes in both communities.
The statement contained a firm directive for the former rulers: “Both Bamidele Obaitan and Luckman Odamah are directed to immediately hand over all government properties, instruments of office, and materials in their possession to the chairman, Akoko-Edo Local Government Council without delay.”
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It was previously reported that Zaiki Luckman Odamah III had protested the state government’s appointment of Prof Roland Otaru as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
Following the removal, the Governor approved the appointment of an interim leader for the Ikpeshi/Egbegere clan and initiated a process for selecting a new ruler for Ososo.
For the Ikpeshi/Egbegere clan, the Governor approved the appointment of Nicholas Odamah as the regent. The statement clarified the regent’s role: “Odamah shall oversee the affairs of the clan in a custodial capacity and ensure full cooperation with government directives.”
For the Ososo Kingdom, the elders of the four quarters (Unukhus), the Council of Chiefs, and the Ososo elders were directed to convene, consult widely, and submit a consensus candidate to fill the vacant stool.
The statement provided clear instructions for the selection process: “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 of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.” It concluded that “This process must reflect the customs, rotation principles, and collective will of the Ososo people.”
Source: RipplesNigeria | Read the Full Story…
