The Edo State House of Assembly has summoned the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Monday Agbonika, to explain the circumstances surrounding the arrest of a traditional ruler from Ikpeshi within the Assembly complex. The invitation, extended on Monday, requires Mr. Agbonika to appear before an executive session of the lawmakers on Tuesday at 1 p.m.
The Assembly has also invited warring factions from Ikpeshi, addressing the violent clashes stemming from a kingship dispute and revenue collection issues within the community. This follows a prior meeting on June 18th where lawmakers directed both parties to maintain peace and suspend all actions pending resolution of the ongoing crisis.
During Monday’s plenary session, the Majority Leader, Jonathan Aigbokhan, raised a matter of urgent public importance, strongly condemning the arrest of the traditional ruler, who was formally invited by the House.
He stated that the CP’s actions disrespected the lawmakers by arresting one of their invited guests within the Assembly. Other lawmakers echoed this sentiment, demanding the immediate release of the traditional ruler and urging the police to respect legislative proceedings and protocols.
Speaker Blessing Agbebaku described the arrest and detention as sacrilegious, viewing the Edo Police command’s actions as a direct affront to the Assembly. “We are not disputing the police right to arrest, but they should not have done so inside the premises of the Assembly complex. If they want to arrest someone, they should invite them to the command, not someone the Assembly formally invited for peace dialogue.” Agbebaku stated.
The Speaker highlighted that the issue was initially raised by Donald Okogbe, representing Akoko-Edo II, prompting an immediate meeting with the Ikpeshi factions. He expressed dismay that instead of cooperating, the Commissioner sent officers to arrest an invited guest within the Assembly.
Speaker Agbebaku has ordered the immediate release of the traditional ruler to facilitate his participation in the House’s investigation into the Ikpeshi community crisis.
In other news, the House confirmed the appointment of Ms. Sonia Ebanehita as Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) following a successful screening.
Furthermore, addressing protesting youths from Oghede community, the Speaker pledged to establish a committee to investigate the crisis involving alleged land encroachment and demolition of their land by the Nigerian Army.
Finally, the House adopted a resolution calling on the state government and the police to urgently address the rising cases of police brutality in the state. The motion, moved by Mr. Richard Edosa (APC- Oredo West), also urged the CP to organize human rights training for police personnel.