A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and respected indigene of Ukhomuyio community in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Chief Charles Adogah, has called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to review the appointment of Mr Michael Sado as the Okhuokpellagbe of Okpella, citing irregularities in the selection process.
Adogah, a prominent legal figure, alleged that the Governor was misinformed by those who briefed him on the matter, stressing that the information provided did not reflect the true nature of events surrounding the selection.
He urged the Governor to cancel the process that led to the selection and further appealed for the suspension of Mr Sado’s planned coronation and allow a selection process in line with the Declaration of Customary Law regulating the selection
Briefing newsmen in Benin, Chief Charles Adogah (SAN), and traditional holder of the title of Obodeanokpella of Okpella called for the immediate suspension of the coronation of the monarch.
Adogah said no consensus was reached by Okpella people in his selection.
He called for the cancelation of the process that led to his appointment.
Adogah appealed to Governor Okpebholo to give the people of Kumunio village of the Oteku ruling house without interference, the power to carry out its traditional and lawful responsibility of selecting a candidate to the exalted throne of Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.
“We have witnessed what can only be described as a flagrant violation of the Declaration of the Customary Law Regulating Succession to the Traditional Title of Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.
“Instead of respecting the procedure outlined in the Declaration which clearly vests the power of nominating the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella on the appropriate component branch of the appropriate ruling house superintendent by the village head, a different script was followed.
“A script written by a few individuals acted upon by the state by His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State. “Adogah said.
Adogah, however, solicited the support of the state government in ensuring that the selection process proceeds strictly in line with the Declaration of Customary Law Regulating the selection.
He urged the Governor to cancel the process that led to the selection and further appealed for the suspension of Mr Sado’s planned coronation and allow a selection process in line with the Declaration of Customary Law regulating the selection
According to him, the Komunio village of the Oteku Ruling House should be allowed, without external interference, to carry out its traditional and lawful role of selecting a suitable candidate for the revered position of Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.
