Okpebholo Drops The Hammer: Two Edo Monarchs Dethroned Amid Rising Tensions

According to Ireporter Online, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has dismissed the traditional rulers of Ososo and Ikpeshi/Egbegere clans in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following prolonged leadership disputes that have unsettled both communities. The affected monarchs are Bamidele Obaitan of the Ososo Kingdom and Zaiki Luckman Odamah III of the Ikpeshi/Egbegere Clan.

Their removal was announced on Thursday, November 13, 2025, through a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikilor, who noted that the decision was reached after an extensive review of the unrest within the two communities. Ikilor explained that the governor’s approval to revoke their appointments was aimed at restoring peace, ensuring stability, and upholding due process.

In an immediate effort to stabilize the Ikpeshi/Egbegere Clan, Governor Okpebholo approved the appointment of Nicholas Odamah as Regent. He has been mandated to administer the clan temporarily and fully align with government directives pending further decisions.

For the Ososo Kingdom, the government instructed the Elders of the Four Quarters (Unukhus), the Council of Chiefs, and other senior stakeholders to convene and produce a consensus candidate for the vacant traditional stool. The selection process, authorities emphasized, must respect Ososo’s customs, rotational heritage, and the collective will of the people. The final submission is to be forwarded to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs within a timeframe to be formally communicated.

The state government further directed the dethroned monarchs to immediately surrender all government property and official instruments in their possession to the Akoko-Edo Local Government Council.

According to Ireporter Online, Zaiki Luckman Odamah III had recently opposed the appointment of Prof. Roland Otaru (SAN) as the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. Although it remains uncertain whether the protest influenced his removal, the development reportedly intensified existing political and traditional tensions within the region.