The serene community of Okpella in Edo State, Nigeria, was recently disrupted by a wave of protests stemming from a contentious chieftaincy selection process. At the heart of the dispute lies the planned installation of Mr. Michael Sado as the Okuokpellagbe, the paramount traditional ruler of Okpella. Community members, particularly those from the Ukhomuyio area, vehemently oppose Sado’s selection, arguing that it violates the established customary law governing succession to the throne. They allege that Sado’s nomination was orchestrated by an unauthorized group, bypassing the traditional authority vested in a specific branch of the ruling house, which is customarily supervised by village heads. This alleged disregard for tradition has ignited a firestorm of controversy, pitting community members against the state government, and raising concerns about the preservation of cultural heritage and the rule of law.
The protesters, led by Charles Adogah, the Obodeanokpella of Okpella, contend that the customary law explicitly outlines the procedures for selecting a new monarch. This process, they maintain, mandates the involvement of the Komunio village of the Oteku ruling house, which holds the traditional responsibility of nominating a candidate for the Okuokpellagbe throne. They accuse Governor Godwin Obaseki of endorsing a flawed process, alleging that he has sided with a faction that lacks the legitimacy to nominate a candidate. Adding fuel to the fire are claims that several community elders who opposed Sado’s selection have been subjected to harassment, arrest, and detention, further escalating tensions and raising serious questions about the suppression of dissent. The protesters are demanding that the governor suspend the “unlawful coronation” of Sado, cancel the entire selection process, and allow the Komunio village to fulfill its customary role without interference.
The protesters’ grievances extend beyond the immediate issue of the chieftaincy selection. Their concerns encompass the erosion of traditional values, the disregard for established customary law, and the potential for political manipulation of traditional institutions. They fear that the forced installation of Sado will set a dangerous precedent, undermining the authority of the customary law and paving the way for future interference in the affairs of the community. This apprehension is compounded by the allegations of harassment and intimidation against those who dared to speak out against the process. They see this as a blatant attempt to silence dissenting voices and impose a leader upon them against their will. Their appeal to the governor is not just about reversing a single decision; it is a plea to uphold the principles of justice, respect tradition, and preserve the cultural heritage of Okpella.
Governor Obaseki, on the other hand, stands by his decision to approve Sado’s nomination. The Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lucky Eseigbe, dismissed the protests as “too late,” stating that the governor had already given his assent to Sado’s selection as the nominee from the community. Eseigbe’s response further inflamed the situation, suggesting that the aggrieved community members pursue legal action if they contest the decision. This dismissive stance has only served to deepen the divide between the government and the protesting community, further hindering any potential for dialogue or reconciliation. The commissioner’s statement suggests a firm commitment to the chosen candidate, leaving little room for compromise or reconsideration.
The situation in Okpella highlights a complex interplay of tradition, politics, and power. The clash between customary law and governmental authority underscores the challenges that arise when traditional practices intersect with modern governance. The protests serve as a stark reminder of the importance of community involvement and adherence to established customs in matters of traditional leadership. The allegations of harassment and intimidation further raise concerns about the use of state power to suppress dissent and impose decisions upon communities. The future of Okpella’s traditional leadership hangs in the balance, with the community’s plea for justice and respect for tradition echoing amidst the government’s seemingly unwavering stance.
The standoff in Okpella carries significant implications for the broader context of traditional leadership and governance in Nigeria. This case represents a microcosm of the ongoing struggle between traditional authorities and state governments, often complicated by political considerations. The outcome of this dispute will likely set a precedent for future chieftaincy selections and could impact the balance of power between traditional institutions and the state. The resolution of this conflict will require careful consideration of the community’s customary laws, the principles of democratic governance, and the imperative of upholding the rule of law. It remains to be seen whether dialogue and compromise can prevail, or whether the dispute will escalate further, potentially leading to protracted legal battles and further divisions within the community. The case of Okpella underscores the delicate balance that must be struck between respecting tradition and ensuring fair and transparent governance in a complex and evolving society.
