Okpebholo Condemns Attack On Onogie Of Ekpoma’s Palace, Promises Decisive Action

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has strongly condemned the attack on the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, His Royal Highness Zaiki Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II, warning that those who hijacked a protest to unleash violence and loot property will be decisively dealt with.

The governor gave the warning on Saturday when he visited the palace to assess the extent of damage caused during a protest in Ekpoma that degenerated into the blockage of a major highway and the invasion of the revered traditional institution.

Accompanied by top government officials, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including the state chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, and Edo Central Senatorial leader, General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), the governor was taken round the palace where several items were destroyed.

Findings at the palace showed that vehicles were vandalised, canopies and chairs smashed, and doors and windows broken. Cartons of Indomie noodles belonging to the Onojie’s wife, a trader in the product, were also looted and destroyed.

Describing the incident as criminal and unacceptable, Governor Okpebholo stressed that legitimate protests must never serve as cover for lawlessness and attacks on traditional institutions.

“I want to thank Your Highness for the love you have shown to me and our people over the years,” the governor said. “Kidnapping is a serious challenge across the country, and that is why the President has taken bold steps, including withdrawing police from VIP duties, to strengthen the fight against insecurity.”

He disclosed that a high-level security meeting was recently held with a strong focus on Edo Central Senatorial District, particularly the Ekpoma axis, adding that the state government had rolled out strategic, technology-driven security operations.

“We have carried out operations in Edo North and Edo South, and now we are in Edo Central. We will leave no stone unturned. Our first operation was very successful—nine kidnapped persons in Etsako West were rescued unhurt and the kidnappers arrested,” he stated.

Governor Okpebholo warned that those who vandalised the palace and looted property would be treated as criminals and prosecuted accordingly.

“They came under the guise of protest and sentiments and resorted to violence and looting. This is unacceptable. We will go after them the same way we are going after kidnappers. Nobody should test our patience,” he said.

Emphasising his personal commitment to peace in the area, the governor added that Ekpoma and Esan land hold special significance for him.

“I am an Esan man and I received my highest votes here in Ekpoma. I will not allow bad things to happen in this land. In the coming days, our actions will speak for themselves. Nobody involved in this criminality will be spared,” he declared.

Earlier, the Onojie of Ekpoma described the incident as unfortunate, alleging that many of the protesters were under the influence of illicit drugs.

“What transpired was very sad. Many of them were under the influence of drugs. If not for God’s intervention, something worse would have happened,” the monarch said.

He explained that he initially attempted to address the protesters but was prevented from doing so. According to him, the protesters later returned while he was away at a security meeting with other traditional rulers, forced their way into the palace, and unleashed violence.

Governor Okpebholo assured the traditional ruler and residents of Ekpoma that decisive security actions would soon be taken to restore peace, law, and order in the community and across Edo Central Senatorial District.