The air has been inundated lately, with press releases, petitions, allegations, accusations and counter-accusations, on a summation of frivolities, launched by one faceless Ukhomuyio Group, Okpella, accusing His Royal Majesty, Mike Olorunfemi Sado of financial impropriety, and of usurping the throne of their forefathers.
This same faceless group with no forwarding address, also accused me, the Honourable Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, of being the mastermind behind happenings back home in Okpella; obliquely intended to whip up unfounded sentiments concerning the long concluded issue of the stool of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella. The facts MUST be stated that the current King, His Royal Majesty, Mike Sado sits heavy on the stool, and it is enshrined.
This statement is necessary, and timely too, to set the records straight, and encourage wailers and ultracrepidarians who have vaulted into the matter, to put their breath to better use: the present Okuokpellagbe was validly elected by majority of the Kingmakers in Okpella on 10th May 2025, through a process that was transparently conducted without let or hindrance, and in line with the existing Chieftaincy extant laws and edicts.
As provided, the responsibility of electing the King was vested in the twenty four Kingmakers who assembled at the traditional venue in Imiokewa-Ogute, to elect one out of the many that contested the traditional stool. Engr. Prince Mike Sado, emerged after polling 16 valid votes out of the 24 bona fide votes. The Governor of the state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, did not at all interfere with the process. The Local Government representatives were present as observers to witness the transparent process that produced the current Okuokpellagbe of Okpella. It is therefore, deliberate and sheer mischief for anyone to accuse the Governor either remotely or otherwise of meddling with the affairs of that day.
In fact, since Governor Okpebholo assumed office, he has neither interfered with traditional matters nor foisted anyone into the position of King on any community in the state. He upholds that traditional issues be left in the hands of those who are custodians of the traditions in the various communities by law. By that resolve, he has been able to restore peace and tranquility to many communities that were hitherto embroiled in Chieftaincy squabbles. He deserves the commendation of all for insisting that due process be followed in such sensitive matters of culture and tradition. The Okuokpellagbe election by the kingmakers followed due process in electing the present King. Those who were not satisfied with the outcome went to court, and the case was dismissed barely two weeks ago, as a case lacking merit.
Despite and in spite of the pristine and pellucid transparency and due process, some elements within the Okpella Community are hellbent on creating unnecessary distractions for the government of the day and the present Okuokpellagbe-in-Council. The Okuokpellagbe of Okpella was served his rightful staff of office at the official coronation on 5th July, 2025 in accordance with the enabling laws; it is therefore grossly irresponsible of any group, no matter its makeup, to continue to this day to vaingloriously claim that the stool is vacant.
This statement serves to place the relevant security agencies on alert about the activities of these troublesome elements, who are working very hard to foment trouble, inter alia. The present Okuokpellagbe of Okpella is a King that endeared himself to the hearts of the people by his affability, and virtuous developmental strides he has undertaken throughout the community, out of pocket. Majority of Okpella people endorse his leadership approach, and the level of inclusion they experience in his decision making processes.
On the few occasions that he visited the Executive Governor of the state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, he spoke cogently about his plans to reposition the Okpella Community for greater opportunities and achievements. According to the King, the era of sharing community resources into private pockets was gone. Resources accruing to the community should be used to develop the community for the benefit of all.
The government of Edo state will not hesitate to invoke the full wrath of the law on anyone and or their sponsors, trying to create ill-conceived crises to disrupt the peace of Okpella. We will not just arrest those who are causing mayhem, we will go the full length to prosecute them according to the law; the murder cases linked to this matter are presently being prosecuted, and will be followed to their logical conclusions.
Those who want to feast on community resources to advance their selfish and personal interests, will also be prosecuted once any wrong-doing is preferred against them.
Edo state deserves peace and tranquility. The state deserves stability for the Governor to continue to deliver on his campaign promises. Those who are still laying nebulous claims to the Okuokpellagbe stool are by this statement called to order. That matter was concluded almost a year ago; and having recognized the duly elected King, by Staff of Office, it is irresponsible for anybody or group to insinuate, purport, declare and state that the stool is VACANT. To be forewarned is to be forearmed; and a word should be enough for the wise. We welcome all to join hands with Governor Okpebholo in delivering on his promises to Edo State and its people, without distraction.
Signed..
Prince Kassim Afegbua.
Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy.
Tuesday, 24th March, 2026.
