The Edo State Government has warned against any form of self-help in the ongoing dispute over the Okpella traditional stool, insisting that the status quo must be maintained pending the outcome of legal processes.
The government emphasised that despite a recent court ruling, steps have already been taken to file an appeal and secure a stay of execution.
The state government’s reaction late Thursday followed a High Court judgment delivered by Justice O. A. Otamere in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area.
The court ruled that a former monarch of the community, Lukeman Akemokue, who instituted the case, was not given a fair hearing by the state government before his appointment was revoked and Michael Sado was installed as the new traditional leader of the community.
Responding on behalf of the state government in a statement issued late Thursday, the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, said the government, through the Attorney General, had commenced the process of appeal and a stay of execution.
The statement read, “The Edo State Government hereby issues a firm and unambiguous warning to all parties regarding the recent court ruling on the Okpella traditional leadership.
“While the Attorney General of the state has already commenced the process of appeal and stay of execution, we advise all parties to maintain the status quo to avoid any breakdown of law and order.
“Let it be clearly stated that any act of self-help, forceful takeover, intimidation or disruption of the traditional institution in Okpella by any party whatsoever is illegal, intolerable and will attract the full weight of the law. No individual should interpret the judgment outside lawful means as the judiciary concludes its work.”
According to the commissioner, maintaining stability within the traditional institution is critical to preserving peace in the community.
Ebea further cautioned that acts such as forceful takeover, intimidation or interference in the affairs of the traditional stool would not be tolerated, noting that security agencies had been placed on red alert to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
He reiterated that the government would not allow any attempt to undermine judicial authority.
He, therefore, appealed to all indigenes and interest groups in Okpella to avoid provocative actions, uphold peace and allow due process to run its course.
He added, “The Edo State Government will act decisively against anyone found threatening public order or the harmony of the community.”
The PUNCH