We Stand Resolutely Behind Gov Okpebholo, -Ukhomuyio Concerned Citizens

An Edo socio-cultural organisation, Ukhomuyio Concerned Citizens, has expressed its unwavering support for their governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

The group reestablished its strong support for the governor, in a statement it released today a copy of which was sent to our correspondent.

‎‎The group said it was making the reiteration, against the backdrop of recent developments in the area,  affirming that its support for the governor would remain amidst “thick and skin”.

‎‎in the statement signed by its spokesperson, Chief Julius Ederefo, the Ukhomuyio Concerned Citizens also expressed concern over what it described as continued detention of her innocent sons for engaging in peaceful protest at the Government House.

It said: “The continued detention of our innocent sons for engaging in a peaceful protest at the Government House, Benin remains illegal.

“The same Ukhomuyio sons that were among the many that moved from house to house to preach the message of ‘a New Edo is risen’ are those currently in police custody for exercising their constitutional rights.

“Their only offence for their continued detention was standing for our tradition and engaging in a peaceful protest at the government house to defend the selection process to the vacant stool of Okuokpellagbe.

“Our history will remember these detainees – Mr. Ederefo Timothy, Mr. Okhale Moses as heroes of our tradition, and their tormentors as enemies of our land”, the group said.

‎Addressing the state governor in the statement, the Ukhomuyio Concerned Citizens said described the arrest as clearly an attempt to mislead all sons and daughters of Okpella and the general public that the Governor is an enemy to the tradition, culture and values that unite it as a community.

It, as a result pleaded with the governor to quickly intervene to ensure the unconditional release from police custody of those held.

‎“It is not an offence for anyone to advocate for justice and fairness, rooted in their commitment to preserving a community’s cultural heritage and the State Governor’s quest for due process.

“We argue that the imposition of a king who hasn’t followed the traditional selection process would be a betrayal of the community’s values and customs.

“This should and cannot be allowed to stand so as not to distort the well documented processes, tradition and customs of our people on the selection of an Okuokpellagbe”, the Ukhomuyio Concerned Citizens added.

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‎Other arguments of the group are as follows:

• Ukhomuyio will continue to remain united in their effort to support the Governor  and his administration except we believe beyond reasonable doubt that he is also an enemy of our tradition. It is no longer news that the state apparatus were deployed to impose a desperate, unqualified and undeserving candidate for the revered throne.  This same desperado had crowned himself in the past and later declared wanted by the police and DSS. His inordinate ambition continues to push him to recklessly distort the process to clinch the stool but our gods and ancestors are wiser.
• Since any gathering in Okpella is now forbidden by the same authority that is supposed to uphold the laws of the state, the Ukhomuyio Concerned Citizens group has agreed that all sons and daughters of Ukhomuyio should engage in a clapping protest in honour of our innocent heroes in police custody. The clapping exercise will begin from 7.pm on Friday the 4th of July, 2025 and continue intermittently until their release from police custody.

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• Coronation is only ceremonial. It is a mere presentation of a staff of office which can still be revoked. Therefore, we strongly advise all sons and daughters of Okpella to remain peaceful and calm in our demands.
• The Ukhumuyio Concerned Citizens Group appreciates all well-meaning sons and daughters of Okpella for standing up for our rights and tradition. We appeal to the Governor to listen to the cries of Ukhomuyio and ensure that the community’s traditions and laws are respected and protected. As the Supreme Court judgment draws near, we are rest assured of a favorable judgment while we continue to advocate for justice and fairness for Ukhomuyio”, the group added.