The Ayuele Clan has issued an urgent appeal to the Edo State Government, security agencies, and the public, warning of a rapidly escalating situation in Agbede community stemming from a contentious chieftaincy dispute.
Speaking under the banner of the Ayuele Solidarity Front, the clan highlighted what they describe as unlawful activities by certain individuals following the death of the late Oba M. S. Momodu. The Agbede chieftaincy stool has been the subject of a prolonged succession battle.
The Ayuele Clan emphasizes that on January 12, 2026, the Federal High Court rendered a judgment clearly defining the legal order of succession, based strictly on seniority among the late Oba’s sons.
However, the clan alleges that before a Certified True Copy of the judgment could be obtained and properly implemented, a group of individuals, acting without authorization, purportedly and secretly installed Mr. Shayawu Momodu as the Oba of Agbede.
Following what the Ayuele Clan asserts was an unlawful installation, Shayawu Momodu and his supporters allegedly forcibly occupied the Agbede Palace, which had been locked pending adherence to lawful installation procedures.
This action, according to the Ayuele Clan, occurred despite a formal suspension order issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and a High Court injunction restraining Mr. Shayawu Momodu from presenting himself as the Oba.
The Ayuele Clan, in a press briefing on Monday, stated that these actions constitute “criminal trespass, contempt of court, disobedience to lawful authority, and a direct threat to public peace and security.”
The Ayuele Solidarity Front, through its representatives, stated it has been working to maintain calm among the youth and prevent any escalation. However, they emphasize that “the continued provocation, open defiance of court orders, and illegal occupation of the palace have created a highly volatile atmosphere.”
The statement was signed by Hon. Zak A. Momoh, former Member, Edo State House of Assembly; Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, Executive Director, Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education; Barr. Faruk Mahmud, former Vice Chairman, Etsako West LGA; Mr. Sanni Zuberu, Retired Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP); Alh. Audu Mohammed Jamiu, President, AMCOSA; Hajia Fati Yesufu, Women Leader; Mallam Nurudeen Ibrahim, ASF Diaspora Representative; Mallam Mawi Mahmud, and numerous other community leaders.
The Ayuele Clan warns that “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.”
Therefore, the Ayuele Clan is calling on the Governor of Edo State to order the immediate eviction of Mr. Shayawu Momodu and his supporters from the Agbede Palace and ensure compliance with all lawful directives and court orders. They are also requesting that the Commissioner of Police deploy officers to maintain peace, prevent further provocation, and prosecute all individuals involved in criminal trespass and contempt of court.
Furthermore, they urge the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the activities of those involved for actions capable of destabilizing the community and threatening internal security.
The Ayuele Clan concluded by stating their commitment to peace, justice, and the lawful resolution of the chieftaincy matter, urging all members of the Ayuele Clan to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding as they await decisive government action.
