Edo Govt Dethrones Two Traditional Rulers in Akoko‑Edo LGA
By DADA AYOKHAI
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has dethroned two traditional rulers – Olososo of Ososo, HRH Bamidele Obaitan and Zaiki Luckman Odamah III of Ikpeshi/Egbegere Clan – both in Akoko‑Edo Local Government Area.
The revocation was contained in a statement signed by Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., Secretary to the State Government dated November 13th 2025.
This brings to five the number of traditional rulers dethroned in Edo North district within one year of Governor Okpebholo’s administration.
The sacked rulers were Alhaji Umoru Inusa Umoru, Aidonogie of South Ibie,Etsako west, Engr Lukman Akemokue, Okuokpellagbe of Okpella; and Dr George Oshiapi Egabor, Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom both from Etsako East LGA .
According to the statement, the decisive action addresses ongoing disputes over traditional leadership in the Ososo Kingdom and the Ikpeshi/Egbegere Clan within Akoko‑Edo Local Government Area.
The Olososo of Ososo, His Royal Highness Oba Dele Obaitan (Okuodu III), was officially crowned in January 2024 after completing traditional rites. Before his ascension, he served as Commissioner for Tourism, Culture, and Diaspora Affairs in Edo State under the Godwin Obaseki administration.
Critics have attributed his revocation to a perceived vendetta by the Okpebholo administration, framing it as part of a broader effort to uproot appointments made under the previous Godwin Obaseki administration.
In Ikpeshi/Egbegere Clan, critics have pointed accusing fingers at the influence of an indigene of the town who is the State Attorney‑General and Commissioner of Justice, Roland Otaru. Prior to his appointment, he fought against the installation of the deposed traditional ruler.
The deposed traditional ruler petitioned the state government about the appointment of Roland Otaru, arguing that he is a party to the suit seeking his dethronement. However, his petition was overlooked by both the State House of Assembly and the state government.
To address the vacuum in Ikpeshi/Egbegere clan, and pending the final determination of the rightful occupant of the traditional throne of Ikpeshi/Egbegere, the government has appointed Mr. Nicholas Odamah as the Regent of the clan with immediate effect.
“Mr. Odamah is tasked with overseeing the clan’s affairs in a custodial capacity and ensuring full cooperation with government directives.
For the Ososo Kingdom, the government has directed the elders of the four quarters (Unukhus), the Council of Chiefs, and the Elders of Ososo to convene, consult widely, and submit a consensus candidate for appointment to the vacant stool.”
The submission must be channeled through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs within a timeframe to be formally communicated.”
The process is expected to reflect the customs, rotation principles, and collective will of the Ososo people.In a related directive, both Mr. Bamidele Obaitan and Mr. Luckman Odamah have been instructed to immediately hand over all government properties, instruments of office, and materials in their possession to the Chairman of the Akoko-Edo Local Government Council without delay.
The announcement, issued by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, underscores the administration’s commitment to resolving traditional leadership conflicts amicably.
Residents and stakeholders are urged to remain calm as the government works to ensure peace and stability in the affected communities.”
