Fresh official statements from the Palace of the Onojie of Ewu Kingdom, the Ewu Traditional Council of Chiefs, and the Council of Elders of Ewu Kingdom, alongside detailed letters from senior legal practitioners to the Edo State Governor, have clarified the true position on the Ewu chieftaincy matter amid rising social media speculation.
In an official statement dated 18 December 2025, the Palace—speaking through the Ewu Traditional Council of Chiefs—affirmed that His Royal Highness, Barr. Abdul-Rasaq Isesele Ojeifo III, remains the duly installed and recognised Onojie of Ewu Kingdom, having been traditionally installed in 1997 and presented with a Staff of Office by the Edo State Government. The Palace stated unequivocally that he has not been removed from office.
Signed by Chief Osumah Daudu, Daudu of Ewu Kingdom, on behalf of the Ewu Traditional Council of Chiefs, the statement cautioned that the Palace communicates only through authorised channels, urging the public to disregard speculative, exaggerated or unauthorised social media claims originating from unnamed sources.
The Palace also acknowledged the measured and responsible steps taken by the Edo State Government to ensure the continued peaceful functioning of the Royal Palace, including the welfare of palace chiefs and workers and the maintenance of palace facilities. These actions, the Palace noted, are administrative and institutional, taken without prejudice to ongoing judicial proceedings.
In a separate address, also dated 18 December 2025, the Council of Elders of Ewu Kingdom, led by Pa. J. Ogingben, Odionwele of Ewu and Head of the Egbemian Kingmakers, appealed for calm and restraint. Speaking from a historical and cultural standpoint, the Elders stated that from their long-standing knowledge of Ewu history, Barr. Ojeifo III was lawfully and traditionally installed as Onojie in 1997 and formally recognised by the Edo State Government.
The Elders urged sons and daughters of Ewu and friends of the kingdom to avoid rumours and social media speculation, emphasising that Ewu Kingdom has endured for generations through wisdom, patience and respect for lawful authority.
Beyond the traditional institutions, two letters addressed to the Edo State Governor by senior legal practitioners have further clarified the legal context.
In a letter dated 16 December 2025, A.O.O. Ekpu & Co., solicitors to the Kingmakers of Ewu Kingdom, informed the Governor that Rasak Yesufu Ogiefo was traditionally installed as Onojie in 1997 and that no other person has been installed or officially recognised as Onojie of Ewu since then. The firm cautioned that any contrary claim lacks lawful authority.
The Ekpu letter further disclosed that although a Supreme Court judgment exists, applications for leave to cross-appeal and other applications challenging jurisdiction and fair hearing are still pending before the Supreme Court, with hearing adjourned to 20 March 2026. It also noted that related contempt proceedings at High Court No. 7, Benin City, have been adjourned to 15 April 2026, pending the Supreme Court’s determination.
Similarly, in a letter dated 19 December 2025, Dele Igbinedion Chambers, acting for His Royal Highness, Barr. Abdul-Rasaq Isesele Ojeifo III, wrote to the Governor setting out what it described as the true legal position. The firm stated that no court has lawfully removed its client, and disclosed that a Motion on Notice filed at the Supreme Court on 13 January 2025, seeking to set aside earlier judgments on grounds of fundamental lack of jurisdiction, remains pending, also adjourned to 20 March 2026.
The Igbinedion letter addressed recent public correspondence circulated in the media, cautioning that relevant facts regarding pending Supreme Court applications were not fully disclosed, and urged that such communications be treated with restraint.
Taken together, the Palace statement, the Elders’ address, and the letters from both legal firms present a consistent position:
that Barr. Abdul-Rasaq Isesele Ojeifo III remains the installed Onojie of Ewu,
that no court has removed him,
and that ongoing judicial processes must be allowed to run their full course, while the Royal Palace continues to function peacefully and lawfully.
Observers note that the convergence of traditional authorities and legal practitioners underscores a shared emphasis on stability, due process, and respect for institutions, rather than confrontation.
As legal proceedings continue, both the Palace and the Council of Elders have urged the public to rely on official statements and credible sources, and to place the long-term honour and peace of Ewu Kingdom above momentary excitement.
EWU STOOL: PALACE, ELDERS, Lawyers Back OJEIFO III AS ONOJIE
