A High Court in Edo State has removed Engr Michael Eshiorenoya Sado as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella Kingdom and ordered him to leave the throne immediately.
The judgment was delivered by Justice O.A. Otamere sitting in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area, who also declared Engr Lukeman Oghehemhimhe Akemokhue as the rightful traditional ruler of the kingdom.
The case was brought before the court by Akemokhue after he was removed from the throne by the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
The suit, marked HAG/12/2025, listed several parties, including the State Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Etsako East Traditional Council, High Chief Ayuba Acheku, and Sado.
In his ruling, Justice Otamere said the removal of Akemokhue on April 30, 2025, was done without giving him a chance to defend himself.
The judge held that this action went against the provisions of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to fair hearing.
The court also found that the Edo State Government did not follow proper legal steps before withdrawing Akemokhue’s recognition as king.
The judge described the process as wrongful and declared it invalid.
According to the court, denying Akemokhue the opportunity to respond to allegations against him breached his rights and could not be allowed to stand.
The judge added that such actions weaken both the Constitution and existing laws guiding traditional institutions.
The court further confirmed that Akemokhue, who was officially appointed and documented on September 22, 2024, remains the lawful Okuokpellagbe.
He is entitled to continue performing all duties of the office, including attending meetings of the Etsako East Traditional Council.
Following the judgment, the spokesperson of the Okpella Traditional Council, Hanson Aimofumeh, called for calm among residents.
He said steps were already being taken to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.
At the same time, the Edo State Government cautioned against any actions that could lead to unrest.
The Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, said the government had begun the appeal process and also filed for a stay of execution, urging all parties to maintain peace while the matter continues in court.
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