By DADA AYOKHAI
The Edo State government has revoked the appointments of three traditional rulers in Etsako in one fell swoop.
Apart from the revocation, the state government also reinstated Alhaji Aliyu Kelvin Danesi as the Aidonogie of the South Ibie Kingdom.
A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Musa Umar Ikhilor, clarified that these decisions arose from a State Executive Council meeting of Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
The state government outlined specific reasons for the revocation or dethronement of each traditional ruler involved.
For the South Ibie Kingdom, the incumbent Aidonogie, Alhaji Inusa Umoru, was removed due to the government’s determination that the royal stool was not vacant at the time of his selection.
As a result, the government acted swiftly to reinstate the former Aidonogie, Oba Aliyu Kelvin Danesi.
Similarly, the appointment of Alhaji Lukman Akemokue as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella in the Etsako East council area was revoked for failing to adhere to the “declaration of the customary law regulating succession to the throne,” as specified in Bendel State Legal Notice 132 of 1979.
The two traditional rulers were appointed by the immediate past government of Godwin Obaseki in 2024.
The third ruler affected is Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor, the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom in Agenebode, also within the Etsako East council area.
Dr. Egabor had been previously suspended due to recent kidnapping and killing incidents in his jurisdiction.
The government underscored that, following these revocations, preparations are underway to initiate the selection process for new monarchs, in strict adherence to the bylaws of the state.
The statement urged residents of the affected areas to remain calm, reaffirming the state government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring peace, unity, prosperity, and enhanced happiness for all the people of Edo State.
Edo state Govt Dethrones 3 Traditional Rulers in Etsako , Reinstates Aliu Danesi
