Okpebholo suspends Uwano monarch over insecurity, palace chief’s death

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the indefinite suspension of Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor, the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area, over rising insecurity in his domain.

The directive, which was issued on Monday night, followed a wave of disturbing incidents involving kidnappings and killings in the area, including the recent murder of a Palace Chief.

In a statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Fred Itua, the state government expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Uwano Kingdom under the monarch’s watch.

“Following recent cases of incessant kidnapping and killings in the Uwano Kingdom, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the indefinite suspension of Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor, the Okumagbe of Uwano,” the statement read.

Itua also confirmed the arrest of the monarch’s secretary, Chief Peter Omiogbemhi, by law enforcement agencies. His arrest is linked to the circumstances surrounding the tragic killing of a Palace Chief, the late John Ikhamate.

The state government has yet to announce a timeline for the monarch’s possible reinstatement, maintaining that his suspension remains indefinite as investigations continue.