The House of Representatives has rejected a motion requesting the Federal Government’s involvement in resolving the ongoing chieftaincy dispute in Okpella, a community in Edo State’s Etsako East Local Government Area.
The motion, presented by Rep. Dekeri Anamero of the Etsako East/Etsako West Federal Constituency, sought to end recent clashes following the contentious coronation of Lukman Akemokue as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The appointment has divided the community, with some factions supporting Akemokue and others opposing him.
These tensions led to violent confrontations last week, resulting in multiple casualties in this key industrial area known for cement production.
During the plenary session, Anamero pointed out the critical need for security intervention, requesting Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa to deploy forces to stabilise the area.
He criticised Governor Obaseki’s actions as politically motivated and claimed the installation was imposed despite widespread dissent.
Anamero’s motion, however, met resistance from fellow legislators.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas struggled to find a seconder for the motion, and Awaji-Inombek Abiante (PDP – Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro) argued against the motion, accusing Anamero of disrespecting senior officials like Governor Obaseki.
Abiante urged members to dismiss the motion, stating that lawmakers should not feel pressured to support it.
“Mr Speaker, you don’t have to preach to us to second the motion. If no one is seconding the motion, let the motion die,” Abiante said.
When put to a voice vote by Speaker Abbas, the majority voted against the motion, effectively ending the attempt to secure federal intervention in the conflict.