Wale Igbintade
Elders of Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have petitioned Governor Monday Okpebholo, seeking his intervention in the prolonged chieftaincy dispute in the community.
The petition, dated August 10, 2026, was signed by Elder Amedu Aiyeregbere, described as the eldest man in Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan; Elder Johnson Abdulraman, eldest man in Ucha Kindred; Elder Charles Dakwo, eldest man in Ewani Kindred; Elder Omoh Umoru, eldest man in Eminesama Kindred; Chief Augustine Jawa; and Chief Anthony Osumah.
Titled “‘Save Our Soul’ Cry to His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo to Rescue Ikpeshi People from Oppression and Victimization,” the document urged the governor to intervene in the longstanding dispute over the traditional rulership of the clan.
The elders said the dispute had resulted in tension within the community and alleged that a number of residents had been displaced from their homes.
They called on the governor to take steps to restore peace and enable displaced members of the community to return to their homes and businesses.
The petition referred to a number of court proceedings arising from the chieftaincy dispute, including Suit No. HIG/23/2012, Appeal No. CA/B/287/2015 and Supreme Court Appeal No. SC/CV/221/2021.
The petitioners also referred to Suit No. HIG/28/2020 and Suit No. HIG/21/2024, relating to claims concerning the traditional stool of Zaiki of Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan.
They further cited judgments delivered on December 17, 2019 and May 7, 2025 in Suit Nos. HIG/2/2018 and HIG/26/2024.
The elders also drew the governor’s attention to the June 19, 2025 crisis in the community and the criminal proceedings arising from the incident.
They cited Charge No. HAU/…/2025, filed on June 28, 2025, as well as Charge No. HAU/66°/2025, filed on November 18, 2025.
According to the petition, the dispute and related proceedings have continued to affect members of the community, with some residents allegedly unable to return to their homes.
The elders also raised concerns over the recent arrest of two members of the community, Ezomo Adekobi and Taiye Umoru.
They stated that the two were arrested on August 6, 2026 and were being held at the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Edo State Police Headquarters in Benin City.
The petitioners appealed to Governor Okpebholo to review the situation and ensure that the rights and safety of residents were protected while the various matters relating to the dispute remained before the courts.
They said they were prepared to provide the governor with documents and other materials relating to the dispute.
The petition was copied to the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Principal Security Officer to the Governor and Commissioner for Security and Public Safety.
The petition comes amid a longstanding dispute over the traditional leadership of Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan, with several related matters having been taken before the courts.