Ikpeshi Leadership Dispute: Indigenes Warn Edo Govt’s Reversal Of Regency Decision Threat To Peace, Stability, Seek Urgent Intervention

by Idahosa Musa

Concerned indigenes of Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to urgently intervene in the community’s traditional leadership dispute, warning that the state government’s latest decision could threaten the peace and stability of the area.

The group, under the aegis of Concerned Indigenes of Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan, is protesting the October 20, 2026 decision terminating the regency of Nicholas Saliu Odamah III and restoring Lukman Momodu as the traditional head of the clan.

Addressing journalists in Benin City, the group’s coordinator, Ms Peggy Agbo, said the decision had generated dissatisfaction among sections of the community, which reportedly enjoyed relative peace during Odamah’s 11-month tenure as regent.

Agbo recalled that Governor Okpebholo had, on November 13, 2025, removed Momodu and appointed Odamah as regent pending the resolution of the dispute over the rightful occupant of the traditional stool.

The government had said the decision was intended to promote peace, stability and due process.

However, in a statement announcing the latest reversal, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, said the decision followed appeals from concerned Akoko-Edo indigenes and confirmation that the chieftaincy dispute was already before a court of competent jurisdiction.

Questioning the rationale behind the reversal, Agbo urged the government to explain the circumstances that informed its latest position, particularly given the relative calm reportedly experienced in the community under the former regent.

The group also expressed concern over reports alleging that a dissident of the community was wanted by the police in connection with a murder investigation arising from a reported violent incident in Ikpeshi on June 17, 2025.

Agbo, however, acknowledged that the allegations remained subject to investigation and judicial determination.

She disclosed that the group had petitioned the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5, the Department of State Services and the Edo State Commissioner of Police, while also submitting a formal objection to the governor and the State Executive Council.

She added that the concerned indigenes had approached the court to preserve the status quo pending the determination of the dispute.

The group called on the governor to order a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the termination of Odamah’s regency and the restoration of Momodu,

It warned that failure to address the grievances could heighten tensions, threaten lives and property, and disrupt economic activities.

Agbo appealed to Okpebholo to suspend the decision and engage relevant stakeholders in finding a peaceful resolution, stressing that traditional leadership should enjoy the confidence and acceptance of the people. “We want peace, not war,” she said.