Okuokpellagbe of Okpella Refutes Arrest Claims, Alleges Rumour Handiwork of Greedy, Dishonest Subjects

Felix Omoh-Asun in Benin

The Okuokpella of Okpella, Etsako East LGA of Edo State, HRH Michael Sado, has refuted claims that he was arrested by the Benin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Speaking with journalists in Benin yesterday, the traditional ruler said he was never arrested by the anti-graft body at any time, ascribing the arrest rumour to the handiwork of some greedy and dishonest subjects, who are not happy with the innovation he has carried out in the community within the short time he was elected as the monarch.

He admitted he was invited by the EFCC based on frivolous petition written by two of his subjects, and he honoured it the following day and that the meeting lasted for few minutes.

He said he was surprised and embarrassed the following day to read in the papers that he was arrested, adding he was never detained or arrested by the anti-graft commission.

He said those disgruntled he has stopped sharing of the money accruing from the Dangote and BUA Cement factories’ royalties which has gone on for a long time are not happy with him.

“Last week the social media platforms and other media were awash over my alleged arrest by the EFCC. I was only there based on the invitation. There are a few issues that I explained to them.  I’m sure a few people know Okpella very well.

“Okpella is a community that generates huge amounts of money daily and monthly, and this community cannot boast of one kilometre of road.

“What has been happening in the past is that those companies bring money, and they share it.

“So, when I came in, I called the Okpella Traditional Council.  I explained to them that all these have to stop, and that we need to have a community bank account for the purpose of developing the entire community”, he said.

The monarch was reported to have been arrested over fraud amounting to N250million belonging to the community.

A petition by A. O. Osagie & Associates, counsel to the Ukhomuyo Council of Village Heads, purportedly written on behalf of the community had accused the traditional ruler of allegedly converting the entire Ukhomuyio community into his personal estate by allegedly collecting huge sums due to the community from the natural resources in the area into his personal account.

They accused him of disrespecting the people and usurping the constitutional powers of the Edo State Government.

They also alleged he breached the subsisting Community Development Agreement (CDA) between Okpella Cement Plc. (Dangote Cement) and Ukhumuniyo Community.

They said the agreement was drawn from provisions of section 116 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007.

Debunking the entire accusations, HRH Sado said they were all concocted to smear his image he has built over the years as successful businessman before he became a traditional ruler.

Sado was enthroned as the new Okuokpellagbe of Okpella on May 10, 2025. Following his election, he was installed and held his coronation around May 10–14, 2025, receiving his Certificate of Office shortly after.

Enumerating some of the projects he has carried out within this short period, Egnr. Sado disclosed he has been able to make impact within few months.

He lamented the community which is one of the hens that lay the golden egg in Nigeria cannot boast of good roads, regular power supply, a hospital, and several other social amenities.

He said within the seven months of his kingship, several projects running into several billions of naira have been initiated, and awarded while discussions on others are ongoing.

The traditional ruler listed some of the projects to include the construction of Okpella Police Area Command, magistrates’ and customary court buildings as well as judges’ quarters, establishment of an ICT centre for JAMB CBT centre, and upgrading of infrastructure in one of the secondary schools.

Others are designed for a multi-billion naira hospital, ongoing 5 kilometres of road, recruitment and monthly payment for about 400 security personnel, proposal for the establishment of Okpella microfinance bank, scholarship to indigene students for undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the tertiary institutions, establishment of skills acquisition centers, among others.

He however disclosed the Okpella Traditional Council has threatened court action against those behind the arrest allegations.

The petition dated March 13, 2026, is titled, “Damage to our reputation, resulting in bodily injury and psychological torture to members of the Okpella community”.

The petition written by Principal Partner, Lucky D Almafumeh & Co, Aimofumeh Law House was signed by the most senior Village Heads of the ruling house of the kingdom.

In the petition, the traditional council described the publications of the alleged arrest of the traditional ruler and the embezzlement of the N250million community’s fund as disgusting and damaging to the image of the community.

They however demanded an unreserved apology from all concerned as well as the sum of N20 billion compensation from each of the parties allegedly involved in the said unprecedented embarrassment.