Okpella Crisis: Palace Urges Calm, Backs Police Investigation Into Festival Violence

The Palace of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella has reaffirmed its commitment to peace following the violent incident that claimed one life and left several others injured after the first phase of the Olimi Festival in Okpella, Etsako East local government area of Edo State.

The palace, while reacting to the incident which occurred in the early hours of May 16, 2026, appealed to residents, particularly youths and community groups, to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their hands as security agencies investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.

In a statement issued yesterday by the director of Media and Publicity to the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Gabriel Emameh, the palace said no amount of provocative language or actions would alter the traditional ruler’s commitment to sustaining peace and stability in the community.

Emameh disclosed that the incident occurred hours after the residents had retired to their homes following the conclusion of activities marking the first phase of the Olimi Festival, adding that one person identified as Dickson Aliu lost his life, while several others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment in hospital.

According to him, the Okuokpellagbe-in-Council, led by His Royal Majesty, Michael Eshioronoya Olorunfemi Sado, had before the festival issued strict directives prohibiting the possession of firearms, battle axes and cutlasses during the celebration.

He further stated that the monarch also invited security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Police and local security outfits, to maintain vigilance before, during and after the festival, while advanced surveillance technology, including drones, was deployed to monitor activities and identify violators.

“The Okuokpellagbe remains committed to peace, and no amount of provocative language will alter that stance. We urge residents to cooperate fully with security agencies and allow facts, rather than emotions and accusations, to guide public discussions,” Emameh stated.

The Palace expressed confidence in the ability of the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and assured that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law, while also calling on the people of Okpella to unite against violence, criminality and armed thuggery in the community.