Okpella Kingship Saga: The Demand Of The Protesters

Okpella Kingship Saga: The Demand Of The Protesters

Recall that the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella died in February 2019. That is, Okpella has been without a King for over three years.

Recall that, it is the turn of the Ukhomunyio Community to provide a successor of the revered stool of Okpella. Whereas: Ukhomunyio Community is made up of three kindreds, viz; Okoh, Alumuye and Agbogah. The three persons sent to the 24 kingmakers are from these kindreds respectively and they are vividly qualified for the vacant stool.

Recall that the kingmakers were selected from the six ruling houses in Okpella, four from each ruling house, making them 24 kingmakers in number. This is in line with the Chieftaincy Declaration of 1979.

Recall that where the list encompasses the three candidates were submitted to the governor for approval of any of them, the kingmakers quickly realized that, it is misplaced of priority, saying; “the governor is not in the best position to approve from the three persons but to gazette and certify anybody presented to him”. So, they quickly decided to go on a simple majority, wherein Micheal Sado got 13 signatures out of the total 24 kingmakers.

A letter of endorsement was made public and a copy was sent to the Governor, requesting him to certify Micheal Sado as the new Okuokpellagbe of Okpella as a result of the simple majority. The letter was dated on 1st day of February 2020.

On 19th of that same month, Micheal Sado celebrated the endorsement which many mistook to be a coronation and a series of rejoinders and petitions were sent to the Governor, indicating that the Okpella kingship cannot merely emanate from physical processes, that rituals need to be performed to ascertain whether or not anybody is fit and proper for the throne.

Recall that after much deliberations and agitations, the kingmakers accepted that rituals should be performed to ascertain the exact person, despite Micheal Sado having been favoured by the simple majority conducted by them.

A year and a few months later, the Otaru of Okpella, who’s the highest traditional holder in Okpella, accompanied with other titles holders, such as Itsogwa, Egah and the most senior village head in Okpella, came up and announced vehemently that Micheal Sado is the most favourite amongst all persons presented before the Ifa (gods) both far and near. A letter was also sent to the Governor requesting him to certify Micheal Sado, that he’s the chosen one after all consultations. Saying, so as the people are with him, even the ancestors are with him too. This has kept the community going peacefully and waiting patiently for his certification and announcement of the date of the coronation by the Governor.

It was a shock to us to receive the ugly news that Lukeman Akemokwe is claiming that the State political powers are with him, that there’s no traditional rite, ritual or power vested on the kingmakers by the Declaration of 1979 will stop him from being the king, that a date for coronation and certification had been fixed by the Governor. Tensions immediately rise at the receipt of the news following the renovation of his biggest house in Afokpella. A day later canopies and chairs were brought to his house for the preparation. People begin to wonder why Lukeman orchestrated this sacrilegious act; Is it that he doesn’t have respect for customs and traditions? Or, is it because he’s closed to the Deputy Governor that he wants to be unjustly installed? All these questions nearly tear the community apart.

Thank God he quickly debunked the claims, noting that it was fake news from the pit of hell and it should be disregarded.

However, we are still worried, tensions are still high over the purported coronation because in any rumour there is an atom of truth and anything can happen. This is why we’re afraid and vehemently calling on the State Government to harken to Okpella’s demand by certifying Micheal Sado as the new Okuokpellagbe of Okpella without further delay in order not to end up in the hands of a tyrant self-acclaimed ruler of Okpella, who wishes to be unjustly installed as a king over the will of the people.

When such a person imposed himself on us, calamity, disharmony, chaos and all sorts of civil unrest will become the order of the day and that will lead to continual suffering. This is why we are out here, trekking with our handbills to establish the position of Okpella in the matter and lobby the state govt for the execution of the position that Okpella stand for and to protect the unborn generations from perpetual suffering.

Although we know the Governor is a lover of truth, he has never one day underrated anybody who stands for the truth and we know he will follow the truth of this matter and certified who traditions and customs demanded to be crowned. The person of Micheal Sado.

Long Live Edo State!
Long Live Okpella!

Signed:
Mr Inamueshi Otukpe.
Youth Stakeholder.