Court of Appeal Halts Execution of Okpella Kingship Ruling

The Court of Appeal, Benin Division, has issued an interim order to stay the execution of a judgment from the Edo State High Court that nullified the appointment of Engr. Michael Sado as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella. This judgment, delivered in March 2026 by Justice O.A.

Otamere in Suit No. HAG/12/2025, ordered the reinstatement of Lukeman Akemokue to the throne, citing a lack of fair hearing in the removal process of Akemokue.

Engr. Michael Sado challenged this ruling, claiming a miscarriage of justice. During the hearing, the Attorney-General of Edo State, Prof. Roland Otaru, SAN, informed the appellate court about the application to suspend the execution of the lower court's judgment until the appeal is resolved.

The first respondent's counsel, D.A. Alegbe, provided an undertaking to the court, leading to the appellate court's decision to grant the interim order.

The case has been adjourned to a date that will be communicated to the parties involved.