Members of the Eragbhe family kindred of Ogbona in Etsako Central Local Government Area have appealed to Edo State Gov. Sen. Monday Okpebholo to wade into the Ogbona kingship tussle in the community.

They appealed at a press briefing held at the palace of the Okpe-Ukpi of Ogbona, HRH Edward Okhumode Umole, in Etsako Central Local Government Area of the state on Friday.

Briefing newsmen, the Eldest man from the Eragbhe kindred, Elder Johnson Omoaleloghie, said the nomination of Edward Umole by the family remains valid, saying, Umole remains the traditional ruler of Ogbona and is supported by the entire Eragbhe kindred.

Omoaleloghie said the news making the rounds that Vincent Otsoi has been appointed as the traditional ruler of the community is not true and urged the family and the people of the community to disregard such news.

“After the demise of the former Okpe-Ukpi of Ogbona, it was the turn of the Eragbhe lineage to produce the Okpe-Ukpi of Ogbona.

“The entire Eragbhe family, headed then by the late Francis Egienekilie, nominated Chief Edward Okhumode Umole as the next Okpe-Ukpi of Ogbona without opposition because it was the turn of the family to produce the next king, and since then Edward Umole has occupied the stool till date,” he said.

Also speaking, the Secretary to the Eragbhe family, Ferdinand Umole, said the throne of Ogbona is being rotated among three ruling houses.

Umole said Vincent Otsoi, who is now dragging the kingship, had produced the King which his late father ascended the throne. When the kingship first came to the Eragbhe family, it was Vincent Otsoi’s late father who ascended the throne. And for fairness, following the rotational order that HRH Edward Okhumode Umole from the family was chosen.

“Edward Okhumode Umole who is currently the Okpe-Ukpi of Ogbona was installed, crowned and given staff of office by the former governor Godwin Obaseki on July 27 2024.

“We wonder why somebody because of his political influence will want to make himself a king in our turn using all crooked means.

“How can they allege that some Ogbona people wrote a petition? Does the right of choice of an Okpe-Ukpi belong to the entire Ogbona?

“The paternal grandfather of Vincent Otsoi has taken the Okpe-Ukpi when it was first the turn of Eragbhe’s family to produce the Okpe-Ukpi of the village.

“And for fairness, following the rotational order that HRH Edward Umole from Imhonegua’s family is chosen to be the Okpe-Ukpi. Instead of accepting this decision of the family in good faith, Vincent Otsoi ran to those who want to use him as a stooge to help ascend the throne by all means, using their political influence,” he said.

He, however, called on the State Government and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to intervene in the matter.