Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has sacked the traditional rulers of Ososo and Ikpeshi/Egbegere clans in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.
The affected monarchs are Bamidele Obaitan of the Ososo Kingdom and Zaiki Luckman Odamah III of the Ikpeshi/Egbegere Clan.
Their removal was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Iklor.
According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo approved the revocation of their appointments in the interest of peace, stability, and due process after reviewing the circumstances surrounding ongoing disputes over the traditional leadership of both communities.
The governor also approved the appointment of Nicholas Odamah as the Regent of the Ikpeshi/Egbegere Clan, while the Elders of the Four Quarters (Unukhus), the Council of Chiefs, and the Elders of Ososo were directed to meet, consult widely, and submit a consensus candidate for appointment to the vacant stool of the Ososo Kingdom.
The statement read, “Odamah shall oversee the affairs of the clan in a custodial capacity and ensure full cooperation with government directives.
“Submission of a consensus candidate shall be made through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs within a timeframe to be communicated formally by the Ministry. This process must reflect the customs, rotation principles, and collective will of the Ososo people.
“Both Bamidele Obaitan and Luckman Odamah are directed to immediately hand over all government properties, instruments of office, and materials in their possession to the Chairman, Akoko-Edo Local Government Council, without delay.”
It was gathered that Odamah III had earlier protested the appointment of Prof. Roland Otaru (SAN) as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.