Elders of the Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have petitioned Governor Monday Okpebholo over a prolonged chieftaincy dispute, alleging that the crisis has caused tension, displacement and continued hardship among residents.
In the petition dated August 10, 2026, the elders urged Governor Okpebholo to intervene to restore peace to the community and facilitate the return of displaced residents to their homes and businesses.
Elders raise alarm over arrest of two residents
The petition, titled,“Save Our Souls Cry to His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo to Rescue Ikpeshi People from Oppression and Victimisation,” also raised concerns over the recent arrest of two community members, Ezomo Adekobi and Taiye Umoru.
The petitioners said Adekobi and Umoru were arrested on August 6, 2026, and were being held at the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Edo State Police Headquarters in Benin City.
They appealed to the governor to review the situation and ensure that the rights and safety of residents were protected while various court matters arising from the dispute remained pending.
Chieftaincy dispute triggers court cases, displacement
The elders said the chieftaincy dispute had generated several legal proceedings, including Suit No. HIG/23/2012, Appeal No. CA/B/287/2015 and Supreme Court Appeal No. SC/CV/221/2021.
They also cited Suit Nos. HIG/28/2020 and HIG/21/2024, which they said concerned claims relating to the traditional stool of Zaiki of Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan.
The petitioners further referred to judgements delivered on December 17, 2019 and May 7, 2025, in Suit Nos. HIG/2/2018 and HIG/26/2024 respectively.
According to the elders, the crisis escalated following an incident in the community on June 19, 2025, which they said resulted in criminal proceedings.
They cited Charge No. HAU/…/2025, filed on June 28, 2025, and Charge No. HAU/66C/2025, filed on November 18, 2025.
The petitioners alleged that the prolonged dispute and related proceedings had left some members of the community unable to return to their homes.
They therefore called on Okpebholo to take steps to restore peace and create conditions for affected residents to return safely to their homes and businesses.
The elders said they were ready to furnish the governor with relevant court documents and other materials concerning the dispute.
The petition was copied to the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Principal Security Officer to the Governor and Commissioner for Security and Public Safety.
The petition comes amid a longstanding dispute over the traditional leadership of Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan, with several related matters before the courts.
The allegations and claims contained in the petition represent the position of the following signatories; Elder Amedu Aiyeregbere, described as the eldest man in Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan; Elder Johnson Abdulraman, eldest man in Ucha Kindred; and Elder Charles Dakwo, eldest man in Ewani Kindred.
Others are; Elder Omoh Umoru, identified as the second eldest man in Eminesama Kindred; Chief Augustine Jawa; and Chief Anthony Osumah.
