Kingship tussle: Ayuele Clan alerts Edo govt, security agencies of looming conflict over Agbede Oba stool
SKAiF NewsNG SNN
The Ayuele Clan in Edo State has called the attention of the State Government, security agencies, the media, and the general public to what it describes as a rapidly escalating situation in Agbede community.
The Clan, on the aegis of the Ayuele Solidarity Front, accused some individuals in the community of being involved in unlawful activities.
Following the passing of the late Oba M. S. Momodu, the Agbede chieftaincy stool became the subject of a prolonged succession dispute.
On January 12, 2026, the Federal High Court delivered a judgment affirming the lawful order of succession based strictly on seniority among the sons of the late Oba.
However, despite the court’s ruling, and before the Certified True Copy could be obtained for proper implementation, a group of individuals, acting without authority, were said to have hurriedly and secretly purported to install Mr. Shayawu Momodu as Oba of Agbede.
Following his installation, which the Ayuele described as unlawful, Shayawu and his supporters were said to have forcibly occupied the Agbede Palace, which had been locked pending lawful installation procedures.
This is, according to them in a press briefing on Monday, despite a formal suspension order issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and a High Court injunction restraining him from parading himself as Oba.
Ayuele people said these actions constitute “criminal trespass, contempt of court, disobedience to lawful authority, and a direct threat to public peace and security.”
“The Ayuele Solidarity Front has worked tirelessly to calm the youth and prevent any resort to self-help. However, the continued provocation, open defiance of court orders, and illegal occupation of the palace have created a highly volatile atmosphere,” the Clan said in a statement signed by:
Hon. Zak A. Momoh, former Member, Edo State House of Assembly
Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, Executive Director, Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education
Barr. Faruk Mahmud, former Vice Chairman, Etsako West LGA
Mr. Sanni Zuberu, Retired Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP)
Alh. Audu Mohammed Jamiu, President, AMCOSA
Hajia Fati Yesufu, Women Leader
Mallam Nurudeen Ibrahim, ASF Diaspora Representative
Mallam Mawi Mahmud, and many others
“The patience of the community is wearing thin, and there is now a clear and imminent risk of violent confrontation if urgent steps are not taken.
“We therefore call on His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, to order the immediate eviction of Mr. Shayawu and his supporters from the Agbede Palace and enforce compliance with all lawful directives and court orders.
“The Commissioner of Police, Edo State, should deploy officers to maintain peace, prevent further provocation, and prosecute all individuals involved in criminal trespass and contempt of court.
“The Department of State Services (DSS) should investigate the activities of those involved for actions capable of destabilizing the community and threatening internal security.
“All security agencies should act swiftly to prevent an avoidable crisis and restore public confidence in the rule of law.
“[We] remain firmly committed to peace, justice, and the lawful resolution of the chieftaincy matter. We urge all sons and daughters of the Ayuele Clan to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding as we await decisive government action.”
