COURT SUSPENDS ENFORCEMENT OF OKPELLA KINGSHIP JUDGMENT

The Court of Appeal in Benin City, Edo State, has ordered a temporary suspension of the execution of a High Court judgment concerning the disputed traditional stool of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.

The interim order was granted following an application by the incumbent traditional ruler, Michael Sado, challenging the earlier judgment of the Edo State High Court.

In March 2026, the High Court had nullified Sado’s appointment and ordered the reinstatement of Lukeman Akemokhue, who had previously been removed from the stool. The court held that the process leading to Akemokhue’s removal and Sado’s emergence did not comply with the requirement for fair hearing. 

Following the judgment, the Edo State Attorney-General, Roland Otaru, filed an application seeking a stay of execution pending the determination of the appeal.

At the hearing, the appellate court granted the interim order after counsel for the first respondent gave an undertaking to the court. The order will remain in effect pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

The Court of Appeal subsequently adjourned the matter to a date that will be communicated to the parties.

The development means that Sado will remain in the traditional position while the appellate proceedings continue.