FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN
Edo State government has warned individuals and groups fomenting unrest in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area, vowing to invoke the full weight of the law against offenders and their sponsors.
The warning followed the activities of some persons and groups to cause crisis in Okpella over the Okuokpellagbe stool.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, in a statement in Benin, said government would not tolerate any attempt to destabilize the peace of the community through “ill-conceived crisis.”
He emphasised that security agencies have been placed on alert to monitor and respond decisively to emerging threats.
According to Afegbua, “We will not hesitate to invoke the full wrath of the law on anyone and their sponsors trying to create crisis in Okpella. We will not just arrest those who are causing mayhem, we will go the full length to prosecute them according to the law.”
He disclosed that murder cases allegedly connected to the lingering dispute are already before the courts.
“The murder cases linked to this matter are presently being prosecuted and will be followed to their logical conclusions,” he said.
Reaffirming government’s position, Afegbua maintained that the Okuokpellagbe stool is not vacant, insisting that Mike Sado remains the duly recognised traditional ruler, describing attempts to suggest otherwise as “mischievous and irresponsible.”
The commissioner also noted that Governor Monday Okpebholo did not interfere in the selection process, insisting that the administration had consistently respected traditional institutions and due process in chieftaincy matters.
Afegbua warned that individuals seeking to exploit the situation for personal gain or to access community resources unlawfully would also face prosecution.
“Those who want to feast on community resources to advance selfish interests will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he added.
He called on residents of Okpella and the wider Edo State to support ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability, stressing that development can only thrive in a secure environment.
