Okpebholo Condemns Attack on Ekpoma Monarch’s Palace, Orders Decisive Security Action

Okpebholo Condemns Attack on Ekpoma Monarch’s Palace, Orders Decisive Security Action

Kingsley Ohens reporting For Urbanscoopnews

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, describing the incident as a criminal act that undermines traditional institutions and public order.

The governor made the remarks during a visit to the palace, a day after a protest in Ekpoma escalated into violence, resulting in the blockage of a major highway and extensive destruction of property. The protest, reportedly staged over concerns about insecurity, was allegedly hijacked by individuals who vandalised the monarch’s palace and looted valuables.

Governor Okpebholo, who personally inspected the damage, was accompanied by senior government officials, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, and key leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including the party’s state chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, and the Edo Central Senatorial leader, retired General Cecil Esekhaigbe.

Items destroyed during the attack included vehicles within the palace compound, canopies, chairs, doors, and windows. Also vandalised were cartons of Indomie noodles belonging to the monarch’s wife, who is a trader in the product.

Reacting to the incident, Governor Okpebholo described the invasion of the palace as unacceptable and warned that protests must not be used as a cover for violence or criminality.

“Protest is a constitutional right, but it must never be an excuse for lawlessness, destruction, or looting,” the governor said. “Those who carried out this attack will be identified and prosecuted. No one is above the law.”

He noted that insecurity remains a national challenge and highlighted steps already taken by the Federal Government, including the redeployment of police personnel from VIP duties, to strengthen internal security operations.

Governor Okpebholo disclosed that a high-level security meeting held earlier in the week placed particular emphasis on Edo Central Senatorial District, especially the Ekpoma axis. According to him, the state government has rolled out technology-driven security strategies aimed at tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.

“We have recorded successes in Edo North and Edo South, and Edo Central is now a priority,” he said. “In a recent operation in Etsako West, nine kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt, and the perpetrators were arrested. We will sustain this momentum.”

The governor also stressed his personal commitment to the peace of the area, noting his deep ties to the Esan community.

“I am an Esan man, and Ekpoma gave me strong support during the election. I will not allow insecurity or criminality to take root here. Our actions in the coming days will demonstrate our resolve,” he added.

Earlier, the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II, described the attack as deeply regrettable and alleged that many of the perpetrators were under the influence of illicit drugs.

“What happened was very unfortunate,” the monarch said. “I initially tried to address them peacefully, but I was prevented. While I was away attending a security meeting with other traditional rulers, they returned, forced their way into the palace, and caused destruction. If not for divine intervention, the situation could have been far worse.”

Governor Okpebholo assured the traditional ruler and residents of Ekpoma that decisive security operations would commence immediately to restore peace and safeguard lives and property across Edo Central.

According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the state government remains committed to protecting traditional institutions and ensuring that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice.