The Ukhomuyio community of Okpella in Edo state has rejected what it describes as the shambolic process that took place on 10 May 2025 and led to Mike Sado’s selection.
This was contained in a communique jointly signed by the Community’s president, Sam Afemikhe, High Chief Julius Ederefo of the Ukhomunyio Council of Village Heads, and Comrade Merry Omoalu, President of the Ukhomunyio Youth Association.
It said Sado was the only candidate in that meeting, erroneously referred to as an “election,” conducted by a few individuals not from Ukhomuyio, whose turn was to produce the Okuokpellagbe.
The community said that regarding the appointment of Okuokpellagbe, it felt disenfranchised because the government has not allowed the Ukhomunyio Sub-ruling Area to carry out the process to choose an acceptable Okuokpellagbe in line with the government’s directives and the extant laws for the appointment of Okuokpellagbe.
In a related development, Ukhomuyio decided to set up a new executive group at its scheduled initial meeting to resolve the impasse and engender growth and development in the community.
The sons and daughters of the community gathered at the Afokpella Secondary School for the landmark strategy meeting, which focused on unifying and repositioning the community.
According to the community’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Samson Omosotomhe, the meeting marked a significant turning point. New executive leadership and a bold vision for the future were established.
He said with a mission of rescue and recovery and a vision to make Ukhomuyio socially and economically developed, the newly elected executive is tasked with steering the community towards unity, justice, and progress.
“The agenda includes uniting the entire Ukhomuyio community to heal the wounds of the past seven years—Foster integration between Ukhomuyio and the wider Okpella community. Engage with government stakeholders to resolve the Okhuokpellagbe impasse equitably.
“Partner with operating companies to ensure Ukhomuyio benefits from local economic resources. Launch aggressive development initiatives to make up for lost time. Collaborate with the government to enhance security, enabling safe farming and peaceful living,” Omosotomhe said.
He listed the executive members as Samuel Onoshioagbe-Afemikhe as president; Dr Henry Idogun as vice President; Charles Ikumesomi as chairperson; Roland Ediawe as Secretary; Mathew Okun as assistant Secretary; Okhale Labeshi as financial Secretary; Eshio Omokhagbo as assistant Financial Secretary; Mark Adogah as treasurer; and Philip Odion Magnus as associate Treasurer.
Others are Dr Samson Omosotomhe and Osaru Usman, Public Relations Officers: Philip Ilukholo, Benjamin Onekpe and Mutairu Aliu as Legal Advisers; Jonathan Abu, and Lucky Afiabor as Security Officers and Sunday Iremia, Dr William Odiwo, Nicholas Aliu, Barnabas Eshiobho, Hon. Philip Akemokue, Hon. Ekhis Uduafemeh, and Jerome Francisca as Ex Officio members.
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