Our attention has been drawn to a report in The Guardian Newspaper dated March 16, 2026, titled “Edo Community Seeks Okphebholo’s Intervention in Chieftaincy Crisis.” We are writing to formally address and correct the deliberate misrepresentations regarding the succession of the late Oba Momodu Sani Momodu II, the former paramount ruler of the Agbede Community in Edo State.
It is evident from the false allegations contained in that report that the group in question is a hurriedly assembled body aiming to cause mischief and stoke disharmony among the peaceful people of Agbede. To set the records straight, we provide the following facts:
1. The Legitimacy of Prince Shayau Sani Momodu
The claim that Prince Shayau Sani Momodu is “falsely parading himself” as the new monarch is entirely baseless. Prince Shayau is the rightfully chosen and popular successor selected to ascend the throne following the demise of Oba Momodu II in 2018. Given his status as the consensus choice of the kingmakers, the accusation that he “broke into the palace” is not only preposterous but logically flawed.
2. Judicial Affirmation of Succession Rights
The group’s allusion to pending litigation omits critical context. On January 12, 2026, Justice U.I. Erameh delivered a significant ruling upholding the Bendel State Legal Notice 46 of 1987. The court affirmed that the Athebedha Ruling House holds the exclusive right to nominate a candidate for the throne.
Following this judgment, the Ruling House, the Council of Chiefs, and the broader community unanimously approved the selection of Prince Shayau Sani Momodu.
3. Clarifying the Status of Litigation
While a member of the ruling house, Abdul-Lateef Momodu, initially sought an ex-parte motion to halt the installation process, it is important to note the current legal and social reality:
• The community previously resisted attempts by Abdul-Lateef to foist himself on the throne, preferring the academic qualifications and character of Prince Shayau.
• Cross-motions were filed to maintain the status quo pending the substantive suit.
• Most significantly, the ongoing legal challenge has become largely academic, as Prince Abdul-Lateef himself has since declared his full support for his brother, Prince Shayau Momodu, as the next Oba of Agbede.
Conclusion
Prince Shayau Sani Momodu remains the carefully selected candidate for the throne. He currently awaits formal turbaning in accordance with ancient tradition and the official presentation of the staff of office by the Edo State Government.
We urge the general public and the media to be wary of “fifth columnists” whose sinister intentions are to create an artificial atmosphere of strife. Agbede remains united in its choice of leadership.
Signed
Mariam Ohanmu (First Daughter of Late Oba M.S Momodu).
Fatai Momodu (Son to the Late Oba M.S. Momodu).
