A social Cultural group woking for the interest and peace of Agbede community in Edo State ,The Ayuele Solidarity Front (ASF),are seeking Govt and other relevant stakeholders attention towards impending crisis that may arise in one of their community due to the needed installation of Oba in their community..
In a letter signed by the ASF members and made available to journalist through their statement, the group are calling for urgent attention from the Edo State Government and other related govt agency to restore peace in the affected community and for the right Oba to be installed to avoid breakdown of law and order.
“A coalition of respected sons and daughters of the Ayuele Clan hereby alerts the Edo State Government, security agencies, the media, and the general public to a rapidly escalating situation in Agbede community arising from the unlawful actions of Mr. Shayawu Momodu and his supporters.
” 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. (Attached: Certified True Copy of the judgment.) .
Illegal Installation and Criminal Trespass Despite the clarity of the court’s ruling, and before the Certified True Copy (CTC) could be obtained for proper implementation, a group of individuals—acting without authority—hurriedly and secretly purported to install Mr. Shayawu Momodu as Oba of Agbede. In a further escalation, Mr. Shayawu and his supporters forcibly broke into the Agbede Palace, which had been locked pending lawful installation procedures. Despite: , A formal suspension order issued by the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and A High Court injunction restraining him from parading himself as Oba, Mr. Shayawu has continued to illegally occupy the palace and present himself as the traditional ruler of Agbede. These actions constitute:, Criminal trespass and Contempt of court, Disobedience to lawful authority, A direct threat to public peace and security.
Call to Action, 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 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 To 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) To investigate the activities of those involved for actions capable of destabilizing the community and threatening internal security. All Security Agencies To act swiftly to prevent an avoidable crisis and restore public confidence in the rule of law.
Commitment to Peace The Ayuele Solidarity Front remains firmly committed to peace, justice, and the lawful resolution of the chieftaincy matter. We urge all sons and daughters of Ayuele Clan to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding as we await decisive government action. Signed for the Ayuele Solidarity Front (ASF): according to the statement.
