The people of Ikpeshi in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to intervene in the lingering kingship crisis in the community.

They warned that failure to address the crisis promptly could heighten tensions and expose the community to avoidable conflict.

They noted that a breakdown of peace could result in loss of lives, destruction of property, disruption of economic activities and lasting damage to relationships among families and kindreds.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the community, Ms Peggy Agbo said the crisis began when the Edo State Government revoked the regency of HRH Nicholas Odamah III and appointed Lukeman Momodu in his place.

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

Agbo said the state government, through the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, had cited disputes over traditional leadership in the clan as the reason for the removal. She added that the government had also said the decision was taken in the interest of peace, stability and due process.

She, however, questioned the rationale behind the decision, asking what had changed since the government initially intervened in the leadership dispute.

“The question now is: What has changed? Having reviewed the disputes over traditional leadership in the clan and taken a decision in the interest of peace, 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 appealed to Governor Okpebholo to treat the matter as urgent, stressing that early intervention, impartial engagement and adherence to due process would help prevent further escalation and restore confidence in the institutions responsible for resolving the crisis.

“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 further urged Okpebholo, whom she described as a man of peace, to suspend the action.

Speaking on the matter, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, the state government’s action was in line with court decisions.