The Edo State Executive Council has announced a series of major decisions affecting traditional leadership in the state, including the reinstatement of a previously removed monarch and the revocation of two other appointments.
At its meeting held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the Council approved the revocation of the appointment of Umoru Inusa Umoru as the Aidenogie of South Ibie in Etsako West Local Government Area. The decision was based on the fact that the traditional stool was never declared vacant prior to his appointment. As a result, Alhaji Aliyu Kelvin Danesi has been reinstated as the rightful Aidenogie of South Ibie with immediate effect.
In a related development, the Council also revoked the appointment of Lukman Akemokue as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area. The revocation followed his alleged failure to comply with the Declaration of Customary Law regulating succession to the throne, as outlined in the Bendel State Legal Notice No. 132 of 1979. The government has initiated the process to select a new Okuokpellagbe in line with extant laws.
Additionally, the government announced the immediate removal of Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor as the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom, Agenebode, also in Etsako East LGA. Dr. Egabor had earlier been suspended following recurring cases of kidnappings and killings in his domain. A selection process is underway to fill the vacant stool in accordance with Edo State laws.
The Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., who signed the official statement, urged residents of the affected communities to remain calm. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining peace, unity, and progress across the state.
“The Edo State Government remains resolute in upholding due process, traditional customs, and the welfare of its people,” the statement read.
