Okuokpellagbe Dismisses EFCC Petition, Vows Not To Be Distracted

The traditional ruler of Okpella Kingdom, the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, His Royal Majesty Mike Sado, on Tuesday said he will not be distracted by what he described as the antics of retrogressive individuals determined to undermine his efforts to bring infrastructural development to the community.

He noted that the petition of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission ( EFCC) against him was the handiwork of impostors just as he lamented underdevelopment in the community.

This came as leaders of the Ukhomunyio Council of Village Heads of Afokpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State disowned a petition allegedly written on their behalf against the monarch and submitted to the anti-graft agency.

The village heads described the petition as the handiwork of impostors who, according to them, do not mean well for the development of Okpella Kingdom.

Speaking with journalists in Benin City, the monarch lamented that despite the huge revenue generated by multinational companies operating in the solid mineral-rich community, there was little evidence of development to show for it over the years.

He said the era when funds meant for community development were diverted into private pockets was over.

According to him, noticeable infrastructural improvements have been recorded across the kingdom since he ascended the throne about seven months ago.

“On assumption of office, I met with the council of chiefs and appealed to them that my major concern is to bring development to our people. I also urged them that we must provide basic amenities and facilities for the community.”

The monarch lamented the poor state of educational facilities in the area, noting that students had to travel to Igarra to sit for external examinations such as WAEC and NECO due to lack of basic infrastructure.

“You can imagine that our students have to travel to Igarra just to write WAEC or NECO. There was no ICT centre and other basic facilities, but we have begun to change that narrative,” he added.

Sado further disclosed that his administration had prioritized security, revealing that approval had been obtained from the Area Command for the construction of a police station in the community which he noted the project is currently ongoing

He also revealed that construction had commenced on a new Area and Magistrate Court, as well as judges’ quarters, noting that the building previously used as a Magistrate Court was originally a secondary school facility.

The monarch said the alleged petition to the EFCC was aimed at damaging his reputation because of his insistence that community funds must be used strictly for development rather than shared among a few individuals.

Meanwhile, members of the community, during an enlarged emergency meeting convened by the most senior village head, Chief Joseph Omoake, said the Ukhomunyio Council of Village Heads never authored any petition against the monarch or staff of Dangote over allegations of financial fraud.

The elders said they were shocked when they read about the petition in the media, describing the development as a clear case of impersonation.

They emphasized that what the community needs at this time is infrastructural development and not the sharing of funds accruing to the community.

Those present at the meeting included Chief Peter Afiabor, Chief Lawrence Adejumoh, Chief Segun Balogun, Chief Michael Bello, Chief Okumagbe Ogene and Chief Matthew Okpetu, among others.