Yahaya Usman, Edo.

The elders of Okpella meet with the attendance of the Otaru of Okpella to affirm the choice of Engr Mike Sado as their choice of the next Okuokpellagbe of Okpella. This they said was necessary after the death of the former Okuokpellagbe, Alhaji E. Dirisu. He said village heads took over the administration of communities that make up Okpella Clans.

The said Elders of Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area, also appealed to Edo State Government to approve for installation of Engr Mike Sadoh as their traditional ruler. The Elders council which comprises heads of four wards in Okpella including women and youths made its position known at an enlarged meeting in Imaku, Okpella.

The Otaru of Okpella, Elder Eneshiagbe Odabor, spoke to newsmen after the meeting.

Elder Odabor explained that the kingship of Okpella is rotational between Otaku and Ogutu clans adding that it is the turn of Ogute to produce the next King as the late Okuokpellagbe, Alhaji A.Y.E Dirisu was from Otaku.

During the process of selection, the Otaru of Okpella said Nine persons were nominated for screening during which, according to traditions, Mike Sadoh was chosen to be the new traditional ruler, a position not decided on a political or academic basis.

The council thereafter sent the name of the chosen Engr Mike Sadoh to the State government for installation but expressed shock over an attempt by some persons to install another person as the traditional ruler of Ophelia.

Other village heads, the Ogiemega of Okpella, High Chief Peter Dirisu, Most Senior village head in Okpella, Dauda Suleman, and Women leader, Victoria Otumekhe expressed support in the choice of Engr. Mike Sadoh as the next traditional ruler of Okpella.

While noting that justice must not only be seen but must be served, the people of Okpella vowed to resist any attempt to install any person other than Mike Sadoh as their traditional ruler.

Meanwhile, in a related development, a statement jointly signed by high Chiefs including S.A Ugonor, R.A. David, Elder J.O. Omoba, Dauda Peter Obado, G.A Geli, S.A.E Garuba & S.E Usman has frowned at a letter purportedly written to the Edo State Government by some indigenes of Okpella asking the government to chose a new traditional ruler for Okpella.

The statement which acknowledges the government’s desire to install a traditional ruler for Okpella describes the action of the authors of the letter as unconstitutional and at variance with the traditions of Okpella regarding the installation of a new Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.

While restating the willingness, commitment, and determination towards actualizing the installation of a legitimate traditional ruler for the good of all, the ruling houses in Okpella urged the Edo State government not to yield to acts capable of undermining the peace and unity of Okpella.

At press time, the Edo State Government through its Commissioner for LGA and Chieftaincy Affairs is yet to respond to the letter by the respected High Chiefs.