The Ayuele Solidarity Front (ASF), a coalition of sons and daughters of the Ayuele Clan, has appealed to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to intervene in a tense chieftaincy row rocking Agbede Community in Edo State.

According to the forum, the dispute erupted following the death of the late Oba M. S. Momodu, with the Agbede Chieftaincy Stool becoming the subject of a prolonged succession battle.

After the death of the late monarch, the Federal High Court, on January 12, 2026, ruled that succession should follow strict seniority among the sons of the late king.

The forum, in a statement issued yesterday and signed by 15 members of the community, including a former member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Zak Momoh, and Executive Director of the Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, accused one Shayawu Momodu and his supporters of acting in open defiance of both the law and traditional protocols.

The forum said Shayawu installed himself as Oba before the Certified True Copy of the court judgment could be properly implemented.

The coalition further stated that Shayawu and his supporters entered the Palace, which had been locked pending lawful installation procedures, and that they continued to occupy it despite a high court injunction restraining him from parading as Oba.

ASF described these actions as criminal trespass, contempt of court, and disobedience to lawful authority, warning that they pose a direct threat to public peace and security.

The group said its members have worked tirelessly to calm youths and prevent any form of self-help, but “the continued provocation and illegal occupation of the palace have created a highly volatile atmosphere.

The forum, therefore, called on the Edo State government to order the immediate eviction of Shayawu and enforce compliance with all lawful directives.