The Ukhomuyio community of Okpella in Edo State has rejected what it describes as the shambolic process that took place on 10 May, 2025 that saw to the selection of Mike Sado.

This was contained in a Communique jointly signed by the President of the Community, Sam Afemikhe, High Chief Julius Ederefo of the Ukhomunyio Council of Village Heads and Comrade Merrv Omoalu President, Ukhomunyio Youth Association.

It said Mr Sado was the only candidate in that meeting erroneously referred to as “election” conducted by a few individuals who are not from Ukhomuyio, whose turn it is to produce the Okuokpellagbe.

He said regarding the appointment of Okuokpellagbe, Ukhomunyio feels disenfranchised because Government has not given the Ukhomunyio Sub-Ruling Area the opportunity to carry out the process to choose an acceptable Okuokpellagbe in line with the directives of Government and the extant laws for the appointment of Okuokpellagbe.

In a related development, Ukhomuyio has therefore in its originally scheduled meeting decided to set up a new executive group in order to resolve the impasse and engender growth and development in the community.

The sons and daughters of the community who gathered on Sunday at the Afokpella Secondary School for the landmark strategy meeting had their focus on unifying and repositioning the community.

According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the community, Dr Samson Omosotomhe, the meeting marked a significant turning point as new executive leadership was established, along with a bold vision for the future.

According to him, with a mission of Rescue and Recovery and a vision to make Ukhomuyio socially and economically developed, the newly elected executive is tasked with steering the community towards unity, justice, and progress.

” The agenda includes: unite the entire Ukhomuyio community to heal the wounds of the past seven years.
“Foster integration between Ukhomuyio and the wider Okpella community.
“Engage with government stakeholders to resolve the Okhuokpellagbe impasse equitably.
“Partner with operating companies to ensure Ukhomuyio benefits from local economic resources.
“Launch aggressive development initiatives to make up for lost time.
“Collaborate with the government to enhance security, enabling safe farming and peaceful living,” he said .

He emphasized that this renewed leadership is a call to all Ukhomuyio sons and daughters to rise in unity, filled with hope and purpose, towards a brighter future.

He listed the executive members to include Samuel Sunday Onoshioagbe Afemikhe as president, Dr. Henry Idogun Vice President, Charles Ikumesomi Chairperson, Roland Ediawe Secretary, Mathew Okun Assistant Secretary, Okhale Labeshi Financial Secretary, Eshio Omokhagbo Assistant Financial Secretary, Mark Adogah Treasurer, Philip Odion Magnus Assistant Treasurer, Dr Samson Omosotomhe Public and Osaru Usman Relations Officers, Bar(s) Philip Thomas Ilukholo, Benjamin Onekpe, and Mutairu Hope Aliu as Legal Advisers, Jonathan Abu, and Lucky Afiabor as Security Officers and Engr. Sunday, Iremia; Dr. William Odiwo; Barr. Nicholas Aliu; Barnabas Eshiobho; Hon. Philip Akemokue; Hon. Ekhis Uduafemeh; Jerome Francisca as Ex Officio Members.

It was also agreed that the Community empowers the President, working with other stakeholders, to create a robust and all-Inclusive team of well-meaning Ukhomunyio sons and daughters that will henceforth pilot the affairs of the community In collaboration with the Village Heads.