.Dethrones 3 monarchs in Edo
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern warning to landlords, declaring that his administration will not hesitate to demolish buildings linked to criminal activities such as kidnapping, cultism, and rituals.
The Governor emphasized his administration’s resolve to ensure a crime-free environment in the State.
Governor Okpebholo gave the warning while personally supervising the demolition of a building located in the Ogheghe area of Benin City.
This is contained in a statement issued by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor.
The building was reportedly used for internet fraud and kidnapping, with victims allegedly held against their will and subjected to ritualistic practices.
Visibly disturbed by what he witnessed at the site, the Governor said: “I am saddened by what is happening here. Children were kidnapped and kept here for years. You can see the shrines in this apartment—this is wickedness in its highest form. This kind of evil is unacceptable in Edo State.”
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to security, the Governor vowed: “We will continue to fight crime and criminality. Wherever they hide, we will fish them out and demolish their hideouts. There will be no sanctuary for criminals in Edo State. We are serious and resolute—Edo must be safe.”
Okpebholo also announced plans to repurpose the sites of demolished properties for public use. “We are going to build a police station here. Any land where such buildings are taken down will be used to serve the community,” he assured.
In a related development, the Edo State Government has made significant progress in its crackdown on cultism, following the demolition of an operational base belonging to a notorious cult group implicated in recent killings in Benin City.
The facility, located at the end of Arena Street in Amagba GRA, featured a hall, several rooms fitted with mattresses, and office spaces—believed to have served as a hub for the group’s activities. The property is also bordered by a moat reportedly used for initiation rituals. Notably, the premises also contained an “Industrial Overhead Stand and Tanks donated by its Asia Region 2016–2021.”
This action follows the recent enforcement of a new anti-cultism law signed by Governor Okpebholo, which empowers the State to demolish properties associated with cult activities.
Meanwhile, in response to an uptick in cult-related violence in the city, the State government has sealed off Eterno Hotel, located in the heart of Benin’s GRA.
The hotel is allegedly linked to another cult group believed to be behind recent killings in the area.
Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance: “No stone will be left unturned, and no individual, regardless of their status, will be spared under the provisions of the Cultism-Related Offenses Law. We are determined to restore peace and order in Edo State.”
Meanwhile, Edo State Executive Council has approved the revocation of the appointment of three traditional rulers in the state.
This was contained in an announcement made by Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
It was presided over by Governor Monday Okpobholo.
According to Ikhilor, the appointment of Umoru Inusa Umoru as the Aidenogie of South Ibie in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state was revoked and replaced with Alhaji Aliyu Kelvin Danesi.
“It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Executive Council of Edo State at its meeting of 30th April, 2025 approved the revocation of the appointment of Umoru Inusa Umoru as the Aidenogie of South Ibie in Etsako West Local Government Area of the State and the immediate re-instatement of Alhaji Aliyu Kelvin Danesi as the Aidenogie of South Ibie.
“The decision is premised on the fact that the Stool was not at any time vacant prior to the appointment of Umoru Inusa Umoru,” the SSG announcement reads.
Similarly, Ikhilor noted that the appointment of Lukman Akemokue as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of the state was also revoked, adding that modalities have been put in place to select a new Okpella.
“The Executive Council approved the revocation of the appointment of Lukman Akemokue as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of the State for failure to comply with the Declaration of Customary Law regulating succession to the throne, as enshrined in the Bendel State Legal Notice 132 of 1979.
“Following the revocation, modalities have been set in motion to begin the process of selecting a new Okuokpellagbe of Okpella in line with the Extant Law,” the announcement added.
According to the SSG, the appointment of Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor as the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom, Agenebode, in Estako East Local Government Area of the State was revoked by the SEC.
“The Executive Council also approved the immediate removal of Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor as the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom, Agenebode in Estako East Local Government Area of the State. Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor was earlier suspended over recent cases of incessant kidnappings and killings in his domain.
“A selection process has been set in motion for the selection of a new Ruler for the Kingdom in line with the Extant Laws of Edo State,” he added.
The SSG, therefore, urged “all subjects of the aforementioned localities/domains to remain calm as the State Government remains committed to ensuring the peace, unity, prosperity and greater happiness of the good people of Edo State.
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