Ikpeshi Kingship Crisis Deepens as Community Urges Okpebholo to Reverse Regent’s Removal, Fears Fresh Unrest.

Ikpeshi Kingship Crisis Deepens as Community Urges Okpebholo to Reverse Regent’s Removal, Fears Fresh Unrest.

Residents of Ikpeshi in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to urgently intervene in the community’s lingering traditional leadership dispute, warning that the crisis could threaten peace, unity and security if left unresolved.

The appeal follows the Edo State Government’s decision to terminate the appointment of Nicholas Odamah III as regent of the Ikpeshi/Egbegere Clan and restore Zaiki Luckman Momodu Odamah III to the traditional leadership position.

The decision, communicated in a letter dated October 20, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, reversed an earlier arrangement introduced in November 2025, when Nicholas Odamah was appointed regent pending the resolution of the dispute over the rightful occupant of the traditional stool.

Speaking on behalf of concerned community members, Peggy Agbo expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s latest decision, arguing that it had generated fresh uncertainty among sections of the community.

According to her, the community had experienced relative peace and stability during Nicholas Odamah’s 11 month tenure as regent, making the decision to terminate his appointment a source of concern.

Agbo questioned the circumstances surrounding the government’s reversal, calling for greater transparency and an explanation of the developments that informed the decision.

She urged Governor Okpebholo to reconsider the action, engage relevant stakeholders and ensure that the interests of the community are adequately represented in resolving the traditional leadership dispute.

The community also warned that prolonged disagreement over the traditional institution could escalate tensions, potentially resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, disruption of economic activities and further divisions among families and kindreds.

It therefore appealed for urgent government intervention, impartial engagement and strict adherence to due process to prevent the situation from deteriorating.

Edo Government Cites Pending Court Proceedings

However, the Edo State Government has maintained that its decision was informed by developments surrounding the longstanding chieftaincy dispute, particularly confirmation that the matter was already before a court of competent jurisdiction.

In announcing the reversal, the government explained that it had reviewed its earlier decision following appeals from concerned indigenes of Akoko Edo and the discovery that the traditional leadership dispute was subject to ongoing judicial proceedings.

The government subsequently restored the previous leadership arrangement and directed security agencies to maintain peace, law and order while protecting lives and property in the affected communities.

It also urged all parties to exercise restraint and allow the judicial process to determine the outstanding issues.

Meanwhile, Luckman Momodu Odamah III has defended his claim to the traditional stool, citing the 1979 Bendel State Chieftaincy Declaration, which he maintains provides for succession through the male line of inheritance from father to son.

He has argued that the government’s decision is consistent with the applicable customary succession arrangements, while rejecting the objections raised by some community members.

The competing positions underscore the complexity of the dispute and the importance of allowing established legal and customary processes to guide its resolution.

Calls for Dialogue and Lasting Peace

The Ikpeshi/Egbegere leadership crisis is not new. The Edo State Government has previously intervened in the dispute, including efforts to facilitate consultations and promote peaceful coexistence among the opposing interests.

In February 2025, the state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs called on representatives of the contending groups to embrace dialogue, warning against actions capable of undermining peace in the community.

The latest developments have once again brought the traditional leadership dispute into public attention, with concerned residents seeking a resolution that will restore confidence and prevent further instability.

Beyond the question of who occupies the traditional stool, the situation raises broader concerns about the management of traditional institutions, community participation in leadership decisions and the role of state authorities in resolving chieftaincy disputes.

For Ikpeshi residents, the immediate priority remains the protection of lives, property and communal relationships.

Governor Okpebholo is therefore being urged to facilitate an inclusive and impartial resolution that respects the rule of law, considers legitimate community concerns and prevents further escalation.

As the dispute continues, the willingness of the government, traditional stakeholders and community representatives to pursue constructive dialogue will be crucial to securing lasting peace in Ikpeshi and the wider Ako Edo area.