The people of Ikpeshi in Akoko-Edo Local Council of Edo State have appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to reverse the removal of their regent, Nicholas Odamah III, warning that the lingering kingship crisis could threaten peace and unity in the community.

The community cautioned that failure to resolve the dispute promptly could heighten tensions, potentially resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, disruption of economic activities and lasting divisions among families and kindreds.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the community, Ms Peggy Agbo said the crisis followed the Edo State Government’s decision to revoke Odamah’s regency and appoint Lukeman Momodu as his replacement.

According to her, the decision had generated considerable concern and dissatisfaction among sections of the community.

Agbo said the government, through the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, had justified the removal by citing disputes over traditional leadership in the clan. The government also reportedly said the decision was taken in the interest of peace, stability and due process.

However, she questioned the rationale for the latest action, asking what had changed since the government initially intervened in the leadership dispute.

“What new development has led to the purported removal of the regent, who has brought peace and tranquillity to the Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan?” she asked.

Agbo urged Okpebholo to intervene urgently, saying impartial engagement, adherence to due process and a timely resolution were necessary to prevent further escalation and restore confidence in the institutions responsible for resolving the dispute.

“We are appealing to the governor, through your media houses, to immediately reverse the decision as contained in the purported statement by the Secretary to the State Government,” she said.

She also appealed to the governor, whom she described as a man of peace, to suspend the action and address the concerns of the community to prevent a further breakdown of peace.

Reacting to the controversy, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said the state government’s action was in line with court decisions.