The Edo State Government has announced that it has initiated steps to appeal the Thursday, March 26, 2026, judgment of an Edo State High Court sitting in Agenebode, the headquarters of Etsako East Local Government Area, which removed the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Michael Eshiorenoya Olorunfemi Sado.

The government’s position was outlined in a press statement issued on Thursday night, hours after Justice O.A. Otamere delivered the judgment, ordering Sado to “vacate the throne of Okuopellagbe (Traditional Ruler) of Okpella forthwith.”

The statement, endorsed by the state Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, noted that the Attorney General of the state had commenced the process of appeal and stay of execution. It also cautioned all parties involved to maintain the status quo and avoid any breakdown of law and order in the community.

The deposed Okuokpellagbe, Lukman Oghehemhimhe Akemokhue, had in Suit No: HAG/12/2025, asked the court to declare his purported removal by the Edo State Government on April 30, 2025, null and void, arguing that he was not given any hearing on the allegations levelled against him.

Akemokhue also asked the court to declare that “there is no vacancy in the Traditional title of the Okuokpellagbe (Traditional Ruler) of Okpella that can be filled” by the sixth defendant, Sado.

Ruling on the matter, in which the Edo State Government is the first defendant, alongside the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, the Etsako East Traditional Council, and High Chief Ayuba Acheku as co-defendants, Justice Otamere said: “I hereby make a consequential order directing the 6th Defendant, Michael Eshiorenoya Olorunfemi Sado, to vacate the throne as Okuokpellagbe (Traditional Ruler) of Okpella forthwith.”

In response, the Edo State Government stated that it had issued “…a firm and unambiguous warning to all parties regarding the recent court ruling on the Okpella traditional leadership.”

The text of the statement, endorsed by Commissioner Festus Ebea, reads:

“While the Attorney General of the state has already commenced the process of appeal and stay of execution, we wish to advise all parties to maintain the status quo, to avoid any breakdown of law and order.

“Let it be stated clearly that any act of self-help, forceful takeover, intimidation, or disruption of the traditional institution in Okpella by any party whatsoever is illegal, intolerable, and will attract the full weight of the law.

“The Edo State Government will therefore not tolerate any attempt to bypass the judiciary or undermine its authority. Security agencies have been placed on red alert to respond to any untoward developments.

“All stakeholders, community members, and groups within the Okpella community are hereby advised to stay calm, maintain peace, avoid provocative actions, and allow the judicial process to unfold without obstruction.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Edo State Government will act decisively and without hesitation against anyone who attempts to interfere with public order or threaten the security and harmony of the community.” (TRIBUNE)