Business Day – Page 27 – Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Institutional responsibilities, professionalism pathways to drive tourism investment, enterprise – FTAN

In a bid to drive investment and boost enterprise growth in the Nigerian tourism industry, Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, president, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), has called for the adoption of clear-cut institutional responsibilities, regulation and professional development, among others.

The above, Badaki stated, is a sure pathway to attracting investment and unlocking Nigeria’s tourism potential, which is hugely untapped.

According to him, the top agenda of the FTAN, which is the umbrella body for private sector operators in tourism, is still to be a meaningful voice in tourism policy formulation and implementation.

In his address at the 20th International Conference and Annual General Meeting of Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN), which held in Awka, Anambra State, Badaki declared the need for clear institutional responsibilities, appropriate regulations, professional development, and an enabling environment that encourages investment and enterprise growth cannot be overemphasized.

”One of FTAN’s major priorities is ensuring that the organized-private sector has a meaningful voice in tourism policy formulation and implementation in Nigeria,’ he said at the Awka gathering.

”The private sector drives much of the daily activity within our industry. Our hotels, tour operators, travel agents, restaurants, event managers, and other tourism professionals understand the realities of operating tourism businesses.

”Their experiences and recommendations must therefore inform the policies and regulations that affect them.”

To achieve the above, according to him, requires FTAN to engage relevant government institutions on issues affecting the industry, including the implementation and harmonisation of the NTDA Act 2022 and the NIHOTOUR Act 2022.

”Our position is not opposition to regulation. We seek policies that promote professionalism, protect standards, and support the sustainable growth of tourism businesses.

”Tourism policies must be developed with the industry, not merely for the industry.

”Government must recognise the organised private sector as a strategic partner, not simply a stakeholder to be informed after decisions have been made,” he said.

Badaki, who is also chairman, Board of Trustees, HATMAN, called for partnership as the only means of achieving the desired end of tourism development and promotion.

”No single institution can transform Nigeria’s tourism industry alone. We need the government, professional associations, educational institutions, investors, technology providers, and tourism operators working towards common objectives.

”Through the Tourism Transformation Mandate, FTAN will continue to promote constructive engagement, stronger collaboration among associations, and evidence-based advocacy to ensure that the concerns and recommendations of tourism operators receive appropriate consideration.

”I call on HATMAN and other tourism associations to strengthen this collective effort. A united, organised, and professionally credible private sector will be better positioned to influence policy and contribute meaningfully to national tourism development.”

He commended the resilience of HATMAN’s members for their dedication to the sustenance of the association in the past 20 years, noting that two decades of sustaining the professional platform demonstrate HATMAN’s commitment to advancing hospitality and tourism in Nigeria.’

Speaking earlier on the theme of the conference, ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Agenda: Implications for Global Transformation in Hospitality and Tourism’, he noted that it is timely as artificial intelligence and digital technology are changing how people go through the journey of discovering and experiencing destinations. ‘For Nigeria, these developments present opportunities to improve service delivery, reduce operating costs, expand market access, attract investment, and create employment,” Badaki said.

For a thriving and sustainable tourism industry, he called for skilled manpower development, infrastructure and collaboration among others.

”However, technology alone cannot transform our industry. We need skilled professionals, reliable infrastructure, supportive policies, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.

”Our task is to combine technological innovation with the warmth of Nigerian hospitality, the richness of our culture, and the professionalism required to compete globally.”

He reiterated his commitment to the need for a more coordinated, structured, and result-oriented approach to tourism development.

”This informed my commitment to the Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM)-a vision focused on strengthening tourism associations, promoting investment, improving professional standards, enhancing destination visibility, and building stronger partnerships between government and the private sector,” he said.

With the conference theme aligning with his TTM agenda, Badaki said: ”I therefore encourage HATMAN to prioritise digital skills development, the adoption of affordable technology by hospitality businesses, improved professional standards, and partnerships with educational institutions and technology providers.

”We must prepare our members not merely to adapt to technological change but to use it as a tool for growth and innovation.”

Badaki further disclosed: ”Through the Tourism Transformation Mandate, FTAN will continue to promote constructive engagement, stronger collaboration among associations, and evidence-based advocacy to ensure that the concerns and recommendations of tourism operators receive appropriate consideration.

”As chairman, Board of Trustees, I encourage HATMAN to translate the knowledge gained from this conference into practical programmes that benefit its members.

”Let us equip our professionals with relevant digital skills, support small and medium-sized hospitality businesses, encourage innovation among young people, and strengthen collaboration with FTAN and relevant government agencies.

”Above all, let us measure our progress by the results we achieve-not merely by the conferences we organise or the policies we announce.

”Nigeria possesses enormous tourism potential. What we need is the collective commitment to convert that potential into investment, jobs, business growth, and sustainable economic development.”

He also reaffirmed his commitment, both as chairman of the Board of Trustees of HATMAN and president of FTAN, to advancing a more competitive, innovative, and professionally organised tourism industry.

”Let HATMAN champion professional excellence and digital readiness. Let FTAN strengthen private sector coordination and advocacy. Let the government provide an enabling policy environment and also take cognisance of the provisions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) to avoid conflicts.

”And let all stakeholders work together to build a tourism industry that is inclusive, investment-ready, and globally competitive.

”The future of Nigerian tourism depends not only on the technology we adopt but also on the policies we implement, the partnerships we build, and the value we create for our people.”

Atiku’s fate will be decided by voters, not Osuntokun’s tales by moonlight

Akin Osuntokun’s latest intervention, titled ‘Atiku Abubakar Cannot Heckle His Way to the Presidency,’ published in THISDAY on October 16, 2026, is a curious mixture of selective history, political prejudice and recycled allegations masquerading as informed commentary. It is remarkable that at a time when Nigerians are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, insecurity and growing uncertainty about their future, Osuntokun considers it more important to excavate alleged private conversations from over two decades ago in an attempt to disqualify former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from seeking the presidency.

Of particular interest is his resurrection of a story attributed to former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, who claimed that former military President Ibrahim Babangida once told President Olusegun Obasanjo that Atiku could not rule Nigeria. This is precisely the sort of tale by moonlight that should have no place in serious political analysis.

According to the account, Babangida allegedly pretended to have forgotten his keys, returned to Obasanjo’s private study and whispered a warning about Atiku. We are then invited to treat this extraordinary recollection of a supposed private exchange as a definitive assessment of Atiku’s presidential suitability.

But where is the independent corroboration? Has Babangida publicly authenticated those precise words? Even assuming, without conceding, that the conversation occurred exactly as narrated, since when did an alleged private judgment made over twenty years ago become a permanent disqualification from democratic leadership?

The irony is that Osuntokun chooses to dwell on what Babangida allegedly said in private while conveniently sidestepping what Obasanjo subsequently declared in public. On October 11, 2018, Obasanjo openly endorsed Atiku for the presidency. He acknowledged their past disagreements, reconciled with his former deputy and offered an unambiguous assessment of his leadership credentials. His words deserve to be recalled: ‘You surely understand the economy better.’ Obasanjo went further, praising Atiku’s business experience, national and international reach, accessibility and capacity to provide leadership superior to that of the incumbent administration.

These were not anonymous whispers behind closed doors. They were public declarations made before political leaders, religious figures and the Nigerian media. Indeed, Obasanjo acknowledged that there had once been an understanding for Atiku to succeed him. That documented admission is considerably more relevant than Osuntokun’s speculative reconstruction of conversations from another political era. One would have expected a commentator concerned with historical accuracy to reconcile these facts rather than cherry-pick episodes that reinforce his preferred conclusion.

As for Babangida, any serious examination of his assessment of Atiku must account for the full history of their political relationship, including subsequent engagements, rather than elevate an uncorroborated remark into an eternal verdict. Neither Obasanjo nor Babangida holds a hereditary franchise to determine who may govern Nigeria. Whatever they may have thought about Atiku at different points in their political lives, the final authority belongs to the Nigerian electorate.

Osuntokun also suggests that Atiku’s age and repeated presidential contests should persuade him to surrender his ambition and become a mentor to younger politicians. This argument is as selective as it is unpersuasive. If age, experience and repeated electoral contests are legitimate subjects of political scrutiny, they must apply equally to all candidates, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They cannot suddenly become disqualifying considerations simply because the candidate under examination is Atiku Abubakar.

Age does not confer competence, but neither does it automatically extinguish it. The appropriate questions concern judgment, capacity, policy, integrity and the ability to assemble a credible governing team.

Atiku has offered Nigerians his experience in public administration, economic management, enterprise development and national leadership. These credentials are open to legitimate scrutiny, just as Tinubu’s performance after more than three years in office must be subjected to rigorous examination.

On zoning, Osuntokun advances the argument that another northern presidency would violate an expectation that power should remain in the South for eight years. Regional balance is important to national cohesion. But zoning is a political arrangement, not a constitutional prohibition against qualified Nigerians seeking elective office. More importantly, it cannot become an instrument for shielding an incumbent from accountability.

Nigerians are entitled to consider regional equity alongside competence, performance, national security and economic survival. It is for voters, not columnists, to decide how these considerations should influence their ballots.

Osuntokun’s attempt to portray Atiku as the principal architect of opposition fragmentation is equally simplistic. The crisis within the opposition cannot credibly be attributed to one individual while ignoring the ambitions, choices and conduct of other political actors. Political parties are collective institutions, and responsibility for their successes and failures must be assessed accordingly. Atiku has participated in efforts to build a broader opposition coalition and now leads the ADC presidential ticket alongside Rotimi Amaechi. Whether that coalition persuades Nigerians is a matter to be settled democratically, not through predetermined assertions about his supposed unelectability.

Then there is Osuntokun’s fascination with Atiku addressing the President as ‘Bola.’ When did addressing a public official by his given name become a constitutional offence or a measure of political desperation? Bola is the President’s name, not an insult. Those who regard its use as an affront should explain why the substance of public accountability matters less to them than presidential titles.

The real political pollution is not calling a president by his name. It is the growing tendency to treat legitimate criticism of public officeholders as an act of disrespect. What Nigerians require from political commentators is a searching examination of governance. How have the administration’s economic policies affected household incomes? What has happened to the purchasing power of wages? How secure are communities? What measurable relief has reached ordinary Nigerians?

These questions deserve more attention than an alleged conversation about misplaced keys in Aso Rock more than twenty years ago. Osuntokun is entitled to his preferences, prejudices and political conclusions. He is even entitled to believe that Atiku should not be President. What he is not entitled to is the pretence that his personal judgment constitutes the verdict of the Nigerian people. In a democracy, presidential ambition is neither granted nor extinguished by the approval of political columnists.

On January 16, 2027, Nigerians will have the opportunity to examine the competing candidates, evaluate their records, consider their proposals and exercise their constitutional right to determine who governs them. They will not be required to consult Osuntokun’s preferred political history before casting their ballots. Atiku Abubakar does not require Akin Osuntokun’s permission to seek the presidency, any more than Bola Tinubu requires his endorsement to pursue re-election.

Both must submit themselves to the sovereign judgment of Nigerians. Ultimately, Atiku’s presidential fate will be determined by the votes of Nigerians, not by Akin Osuntokun’s biases, recycled anecdotes or tales by moonlight. That is democracy. And that is the verdict that matters.

SOS Children’s Villages reaches 650 households in Edo, begins new resilience project

SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria says it has reached approximately 650 households in Edo State through a three-year development intervention, as it prepares to build on the gains with a new project focused on strengthening the resilience of children, young people, families and communities.

Eghosa Erhumwunse, Country Director of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, disclosed this during a stakeholder engagement in Benin City to review the achievements of the outgoing project and consolidate its impact in partnership with the Edo State Government, community leaders, development partners and beneficiaries.

Erhumwunse said the intervention prioritised vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations, particularly families and children often excluded from mainstream development programmes, while strengthening the capacity of communities to support their welfare and long-term development.

He said the project covered 400 households in its first phase and another 250 in the second phase, bringing the total to approximately 650 households. Based on an estimated average of four persons per household, the intervention potentially reached about 2,600 people.

The country director said the organisation considered community ownership essential to the sustainability of development interventions, stressing that families and communities must be empowered to maintain the gains made after a project ends.

He explained that the completion of the three-year programme would not signal the end of the organisation’s activities in Edo, as it was preparing to introduce a new initiative, Seed of Change, to address broader challenges affecting children, young people, families and their communities.

According to him, the new project, also supported by the German government, would build on previous interventions by strengthening resilience and promoting systemic changes that can sustain development outcomes beyond the period of donor funding.

Erhumwunse described the organisation as an implementing partner that facilitates collaboration between the donor and communities in Edo, noting that the progress recorded depended on the collective contributions of government institutions, community leaders, families, young people and other development partners.

Joy Irenonsen Ihensekhien, Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, who represented the commissioner, Eugenia Abdallah, commended SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria for its partnership with the state government and its support for vulnerable women, children and communities.

Ihensekhien said the ministry contributed to the programme through manpower, training facilities and other forms of support for capacity-building activities designed to empower beneficiaries and improve their ability to become self-reliant.

She expressed the state government’s appreciation for the collaboration, noting that partnerships between public institutions and development organisations remained important in helping vulnerable households cope with prevailing economic pressures.

APC to unveil Hamzat’s manifesto Friday, pledges inclusive governance

The All Progressives Congress (APC) will unveil the manifesto of its Lagos State governorship candidate, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, on Friday with a pledge to sustain policy continuity while making governance more inclusive and addressing the state’s growing infrastructure and public service needs.

Musiliu Obanikoro, director-general of the PBAT-KOH Campaign Council, announced this on Sunday at a press conference in Lagos, saying the manifesto would outline Hamzat’s priorities and plans for the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Obanikoro said the campaign was anchored on ‘continued shared progress and inclusivity’, arguing that Lagos needed experienced leadership capable of building on existing achievements while responding to the demands of its growing population.

The manifesto launch is scheduled to hold at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

‘It will provide a platform for Dr. Hamzat to present his vision, priorities, and plans for the continued development of our dear state,’ Obanikoro said.

He recalled that President Bola Tinubu unveiled a development manifesto when he became Lagos governor in 1999, describing it as a foundation for successive administrations in the state.

For the APC campaign, continuity would involve preserving effective policies, correcting shortcomings and extending development programmes rather than retaining existing approaches without improvement.

‘Continuity is not about doing things the same way simply because they have been done before; it is about protecting what works, correcting what needs improvement, and building on existing progress,’ Obanikoro said.

He argued that Lagos could not afford to abandon the foundations established by previous administrations, given the pressures associated with its population and economic importance.

‘With an estimated population of over 25 million, relatively limited landmarks, and the pressures that come with a cosmopolitan society, Lagos faces severe demands in transportation, human capital development, housing, infrastructure, security, healthcare, and environmental management,’ he said.

‘These challenges require experienced leadership, careful planning, and the ability to deliver results.’

Obanikoro said Hamzat’s experience in government and the private sector positioned him to address the state’s development needs. He cited the candidate’s degree in Systems Processes Engineering from Cranfield University, England, and his experience with international financial institutions, including Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley and Citibank.

Hamzat, who is serving as deputy governor under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, would draw on his experience in the administration to consolidate existing projects and tackle outstanding challenges, Obanikoro said.

He cited developments in rail transportation, road construction, education, healthcare, housing and the creative economy as areas where successive administrations had made progress.

The campaign director-general also said Hamzat and his team had consulted religious leaders, traditional rulers, traders, market women, professionals, artisans, community leaders and other stakeholders across Lagos.

According to him, the consultations are intended to ensure that the manifesto reflects the needs of different communities and groups in the state.

Obanikoro said the manifesto would be made available for download after its presentation, allowing members of the public to examine its proposals and submit feedback through party channels.

He added that the campaign’s approach was based on the belief that development should reflect Lagos’s diversity while preserving the interests and heritage of its indigenous population.

‘Nobody should be left behind because of religion, tribe, gender, social status, or place of origin. Lagos belongs to all of us, for those who call it home, while respecting and preserving the indigenous people of Lagos State,’ he said.

Rotary Club zone 2, D9111 offers free eye care, cataract surgery to Lagos residents

The Rotary Club Zone 2, D9111, has held a two-day free eye screening and cataract surgery exercise in Lagos State.

The event, which came under the theme, ‘Free Cataract Surgery Outreach’, brought together beneficiaries, medical professionals, and Rotary members to provide access to quality eye care services.

Speaking at the event, President, Rotary Club of Gowon Estate, Lagos, Ibiam Festus explained that the decision of Rotary Zone 2, D9111 to embark on a free cataract surgery outreach was informed by a deep concern for community health, the economic hardship faced by vulnerable people, and Rotary’s commitment to humanitarian service.

According to him, Cataracts can cause severe visual impairment and blindness, adding that the outreach seeks to help affected individuals regain their sight, independence, dignity, and confidence.

‘Many people, particularly low-income earners, cannot afford cataract surgery. Providing free surgery removes a major financial barrier to treatment’, he added.

To him, restoring sight enables beneficiaries to return to work, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to society.

He explained that the initiative tagged ‘The Mission for Vision’ (M4V) reflected the importance of identifying genuine health challenges within the communities and developing practical interventions that address them.

He affirmed that the project demonstrates Rotary’s commitment to service, collaboration, and creating lasting impact through sustainable community interventions.

‘By mobilising Rotary Clubs, healthcare professionals, volunteers, and other stakeholders, Zone 2 can reach more people than individual Clubs might be able to serve alone,’ he added.

He recalled that during the two-day exercise, which held at Royal Estate LASU Isheri road Egbeda and Sango Primary Health Care, Agege, about 342 patients underwent eye-screening while total cataract patients identified were 83 in the two days screening exercise.

‘After the screening exercise, patients identified with eye conditions are referred for further medical evaluation and appropriate treatment.

‘Those diagnosed with cataracts are assessed for eligibility for free cataract surgery, while other patients receive the necessary medical advice, prescriptions, or referrals.

‘This demonstrates the importance of taking healthcare services closer to people who need them.

‘The initiative aligns with Rotary District 9111’s broader Mission for Vision programme, which supports free cataract surgeries and eye-care services for people in need.

‘The motivation is simple; no one should lose their sight or remain unnecessarily blind because they cannot afford treatment.

‘Zone 2’s decision represents a commitment to transforming lives, restoring hope, strengthening families, and demonstrating that Rotary is not merely an organisation that talks about service but one that takes practical action to improve human lives’, he said.

On her part, Chairman 2026/2027 Mission for Vision District 9111, Chandra Nalode said the eye screening and the surgery exercise were aimed at restoring sight to the needy, reaffirming Rotary’s commitment to disease prevention and community health.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to BusinessDay Sunday commended Rotary for the life-changing intervention, noting that the free surgery will restore their sight and give them a new life.

The Mission for Vision (M4V) programme is said to be an annual initiative of Rotary District 9111.

Tinubu deserves second term – Yilwatda at Kaduna rally

Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said President Bola Tinubu has earned Nigerians’ confidence and deserves a second term to consolidate his reforms and deliver greater prosperity.

Yilwatda spoke on Saturday at the flag-off of the APC’s 2027 presidential campaign in Kaduna, expressing confidence that the ruling party would secure victory in the January 16 presidential election.

‘Mr President, the people have spoken, and their voice is loud and clear. Nigerians are happy. Our women are happy, our youths are happy, and the people are encouraged by your leadership,’ Yilwatda said.

He described Tinubu as a courageous leader willing to take difficult but necessary decisions in the country’s interest, insisting that the APC was united, prepared and confident of winning the election.

‘We are proud to present to Nigerians the most competent and credible candidate for the presidency,’ the APC chairman said.

Yilwatda urged Nigerians to assess the administration not only by the economic challenges confronting the country but also by its efforts to address longstanding structural problems.

‘The task before us is to consolidate the gains, deepen the reforms and ensure that the promise of Renewed Hope translates into greater opportunities, improved livelihoods and shared prosperity for our people,’ he said.

‘We believe that the President deserves the opportunity to complete this work and take Nigeria to the next level,’ he added.

The APC chairman said the party’s campaign would focus on the administration’s record, ongoing reforms and plans for national development, expressing confidence that the benefits of its policies would become more evident over time.

At the rally, Yilwatda also presented APC flags to governors of the North-West, describing the region as strategically important to the party’s electoral prospects.

He urged party leaders and supporters across the seven states to strengthen grassroots mobilisation, maintain unity and rally behind Tinubu and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.

‘The journey to 2027 has begun, and the APC is ready. We have a President with the courage to lead, a party with the capacity to mobilise and a vision centred on the prosperity of our people,’ he said.

The Kaduna rally marks the commencement of the APC’s nationwide presidential campaign as Tinubu seeks re-election amid mounting economic and security challenges.

Iwobi matches Mo Salah’s 328 Premier League appearance record

Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi has matched Mohamed Salah’s Premier League appearance record among African players after featuring in Fulham’s 1-0 victory over Coventry City on Saturday.

Iwobi’s appearance took his Premier League tally to 328, drawing him level with Liverpool forward Salah as the joint-second most-capped African player in the competition’s history.

However, Salah has played more minutes in the league, accumulating 26,785 compared with Iwobi’s 22,898.

The Fulham midfielder could move into outright second place when the Cottagers travel to Aston Villa for their next league fixture, provided he features in the match.

Former Manchester City and Arsenal defender Kolo Touré holds the record for the most Premier League appearances by an African player, with 353.

Iwobi played 73 minutes in Fulham’s victory over Coventry, recording 60 touches, completing 51 passes and achieving a passing accuracy of 86.3 per cent.

The achievement puts the Super Eagles midfielder within reach of Touré’s record, with 25 appearances separating him from the former Ivory Coast international’s tally.

At 29, Iwobi has the opportunity to become the African player with the most Premier League appearances if he maintains his run of involvement for Fulham and surpasses Touré’s record.

His latest milestone places him alongside Salah, underlining the longevity of both players’ Premier League careers and bringing Iwobi closer to a record held by one of Africa’s most experienced defenders.

ýOkpebholo sacks traditional ruler after 11 months of appointment

ýýMonday Okpebholo, governor of Edo State, has terminated the appointment of Nicholas Odamah as Regent of Ikpeshi/Egbegere Clan in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state, barely 11 months after his appointment.

ýBusinessDay reports that the governor had, on November 13, 2025, removed Zaiki Luckman Momodu Odamah III, the erstwhile traditional ruler of the clan and appointed Nicholas Odamah as regent.

ýA statement issued at the time by Umar Musa Ikhilor, the Secretary to the State Government, said the removal of Luckman Momodu Odamah III followed a review of the circumstances surrounding the ongoing disputes over traditional leadership in the clan and kingdom.

ýIkhilor added that the action was taken in the interest of peace, stability and due process.

ýHe subsequently announced the appointment of Nicholas Odamah as regent of Ikpeshi/Egbegere Clan with immediate effect, pending the determination of the rightful occupant of the throne.

ýThe statement said the regent was expected to oversee the affairs of the clan pending further decisions.

ýHe was also mandated to oversee the clan’s affairs in a custodial capacity and ensure full compliance with government directives.

ýHowever, more than 11 months after the appointment, the state government, in a letter dated October 20, 2026, announced the termination of Nicholas Odamah’s appointment and the restoration of Zaiki Luckman Momodu Odamah III as the traditional ruler of Ikpeshi/Egbegere Clan.

ýThe letter, signed by Ikhilor, said the decision followed appeals from concerned indigenes of Akoko-Edo and the subsequent confirmation that the dispute over traditional leadership in the clan was already before a competent court of law.

ýAccording to the letter, the government decided to review and rescind its earlier decision in view of these developments.

ýThe statement read in part: ‘Consequently, the State Government hereby terminates the appointment of Mr Nicholas Odamah as Regent of Ikpeshi/Egbegere Clan and restores the status quo ante his appointment.

ý’All security agencies have been duly notified of this development and directed to maintain peace, law and order, as well as ensure the protection of lives and property in the affected communities.

ý’The Edo State Government remains committed to upholding fairness, justice and the rule of law, while preserving the state’s traditional institutions and values’, he said

ýThe government urged all parties to remain calm, exercise restraint and allow the judicial process to run its course.

ýIt would be recalled that the removed traditional ruler, Zaiki Luckman Odamah III, had petitioned Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Edo State House of Assembly, urging them not to confirm Roland Otaru as a commissioner in the state cabinet over alleged bias in the chieftaincy dispute.

ýOtaru, the current Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, is an indigene of the clan.

ýIn a petition addressed to the governor on August 29, 2025, the monarch argued that confirming Otaru would effectively place him in a position to judge his own case.

ýOdamah III alleged that Otaru had opposed his ascension to the throne following the death of his father on September 11, 2011.

ýAccording to him, ‘Otaru has, since the death of my father, HRH Momodu Odamah II, been working tirelessly against my nomination, traditional installation, and eventual appointment by the state government as a successor to my father.

ý’From 2012 till date, Otaru has been acting and continues to act as counsel to the Akoko-Edo traditional council that unsuccessfully challenged my appointment.

ý’To this end, he unsuccessfully opposed the suit I filed before the High Court, Igarra, which now has a pending appeal at the Supreme Court.

ý’In addition, in December 2020, Otaru, who is from the Emegbe family of Igun kindred, raised one Joseph Shuru Uduagbamen from his kindred and sought to impose him as the Zaiki of the Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan. To carry out this plot, they filed a case before the Igarra High Court to set aside the gazette/declaration regulating the appointment of the traditional ruler.

ý’The suit was dismissed on March 16, 2022, and the Emegbe family proceeded to the Court of Appeal, Benin. From 2012 to date, Otaru has consistently opposed the position of the Edo State Government, the Attorney-General of Edo State, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in all court cases concerning my ascension to the throne, from the High Court to the Court of Appeal and now the Supreme Court.

ý’Thus, his membership of the State Executive Council will ultimately put him in a position that makes him a judge in his own case, that is, to supplant the lawful position of the Edo State Government that has never filed or accepted any contrary position to that contained in the chieftaincy declaration gazette,’ he added.

ýThe traditional ruler said his petition was intended to present the facts to the governor before Otaru assumed office as a commissioner.

ýHe added that the petition was aimed at ensuring that appointments of traditional rulers in the state complied fully with the relevant gazette or declaration enacted into law by the government.

ýIt would also be recalled that Governor Okpebholo had, on April 30, 2025, removed three traditional rulers in Edo North Senatorial District.

ýThe affected rulers were: Umoru Inusa Umoru, the Aidonogie of South Ibie; Lukman Akemokue, the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella; and George Oshiapi Egabor, the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom.

ýThe governor said that their removal was due to irregularities in their appointments, violations of customary succession laws and alleged involvement in kidnapping and insecurity.

ýHe subsequently reappointed Aliyu Kelvin Danesi as Aidonogie of South Ibie and appointed Michael Eshioronoya Sado as Okuokpellagbe of Okpella following his selection by the kingmakers.

ýThe appointment to the stool of Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom was still pending at the time but has since been filled by Francis Alimikhena, a former senator who represented Edo North Senatorial District following the death of George Oshiapi Egabor.