Benin: Okpella Throne Dispute Permanently Resolved, Palace Affirms

The Palace of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella has declared that the presentation of the staff of office to His Royal Majesty, Engr. Michael Eshioronoya Olorunfemi Sado, by the Edo State Government has conclusively settled all disputes surrounding the traditional stool.

Speaking on behalf of the palace, its spokesperson, Mallam Saeed Jibril, on Saturday said the historic coronation ceremony held on July 5, 2025, effectively brought to a close all agitations and contestations over the previously vacant position of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.

Jibril noted that the formal recognition and conferment of authority by the state government symbolized a “permanent seal” on the stool, stressing that any contrary claims or continued agitation were unfounded and untenable.

He further referenced the dismissal of a legal challenge against the monarch’s selection, describing it as judicial affirmation of the process.

According to him, recent comments by the Edo State commissioner for information and strategy, Prince Kaseem Afegbua, only reaffirm the government’s position on the matter, which he said is already settled in both law and tradition.

The palace spokesperson, however, cautioned individuals and groups still contesting the outcome to heed the government’s position and desist from actions capable of disrupting peace and order in the community.