A recent controversy erupted in Ikpeshi community, Edo State, over the presentation of a staff of office to Lukeman Odamah by the Edo State government under former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

However, the majority of Ikpeshi people rejected the decision and Lukeman’s claim to the throne, citing that he is not the rightful heir. According to them, Nicholas Odamah, is alleged to be the first surviving son of Enamudu Odamah I, who was next in line to the throne before he left for abroad, leaving the throne to his younger brother, the late Momodu Odamah II, in an acting capacity.

The dispute over the throne has been ongoing for over 13 years, dating back to the demise of Momodu Odamah II.

Lukeman Odamah, who is laying claim to the throne, is the 3rd surviving son of Momodu Odamah II, which the Ikpeshi people are contesting.

The situation took a violent turn on the 17th of June when Lukeman allegedly attacked the people with armed cultists, the attack was said to have resulted in over 20 people sustaining bullet injuries, with two persons sustaining major injuries and still in a coma at a hospital in Okene, Kogi State.

The Ikpeshi community is up in arms, demanding justice for the victims and calling on the current Governor Monday Okpebholo to take immediate action.

They are demanding that Lukeman Odamah be prosecuted for his actions, that the Ikpeshi throne be suspended, and that the person the majority of the people want, Nicholas Odamah, be enthroned instead.

The community insists that justice must be served, and those responsible for the violence must be held accountable. The people are crying out for justice, and it is imperative that the governor takes a decision to prevent further crisis.

Lukeman Odamah was subsequently detained, charged to court, and remanded in Auchi Correctional Center. The Edo State House of Assembly has called for peaceful resolution, but the community insists that justice must be served. The people of Ikpeshi are demanding that Governor Monday Okpebholo take concrete steps to address the situation and bring peace to the community.