By DADA AYOKHAI
Controversy surrounds the Okumagbe throne vacancy in Etsako East LGA, Edo State, after the local government cited the
dethronement of Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor as the reason for calling nominations for a successor.
In a letter dated January 27, 2026, the Etsako East Local Government informed the Agiode Ruling House that it is their turn to produce the next Okumagbe of Wanno, following the dethronement of the former monarch.
The letter, signed by Hon. Edward Imanobe, Secretary to the Local Government, directed that the selection process be completed by January 30-31, 2026.
The local government’s decision to cite the dethronement of Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor as the reason for calling nominations for a successor has been disputed by some individuals from Weppa Wanno axis.
They argue that the throne became vacant due to the death of the former Okumagbe, not his dethronement.
They claim that the late Okumagbe had approached the court after his dethronement in April 2025, and the legality of the government action was pending at the time of his death, making the local government’s reasoning biased .
The late Okumagbe had alleged that the Edo State Government did not give him a fair hearing before dethroning him. His supporters argue that the outcome of the court case challenging his removal was uncertain, and his death has now paved the way for the throne to be declared vacant.
Okumagbe Throne : Dethronement or Death, Govt’s Reason Sparks Debate
