Ayuele Front seeks govt action over Agbede Chiefdom crisis

The Ayuele Solidarity Front (ASF) -a coalition of respected sons and daughters of the Ayuele Clan- has urged the Edo State Government, security agencies and the general public to act on a rapidly escalating situation in Agbede community in Edo State, over what it called the unlawful actions of Mr. Shayawu Momodu and his supporters.

This is contained in a joint statement by 15 of the representatives of the ASF.

Speaking on the background of the dispute, the front said that following the passing of the late Oba M. S. Momodu, the Agbede chieftaincy stool became the subject of a prolonged succession dispute.

According to them, on January 12, 2026, the Federal High Court delivered a judgment affirming the lawful order of succession based strictly on seniority among the sons of the late Oba.

The front, however, said that despite the clarity of the court’s ruling, and before the Certified True Copy (CTC) could be obtained for proper implementation, a group of individuals —acting without authority— hurriedly and secretly purported to install Mr. Shayawu Momodu as Oba of Agbede.

“In a further escalation, Mr. Shayawu and his supporters forcibly broke into the Agbede Palace, which had been locked pending lawful installation procedures.
Despite:

“A formal suspension order issued by the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and
A High Court injunction restraining him from parading himself as Oba,

“Mr. Shayawu has continued to illegally occupy the palace and present himself as the traditional ruler of Agbede,” the font said.

They insisted 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 said that while it has worked tirelessly to calm the youth and prevent any resort to self-help, the continued provocation, open defiance of court orders, and illegal occupation of the palace have created a highly volatile atmosphere.

They said, “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.

“We therefore call on the Governor of Edo State to order the immediate eviction of Mr. Shayawu and his supporters from the Agbede Palace and enforce compliance with all lawful directives and court orders,” they said.

The front asked the Commissioner of Police, Edo State to deploy officers to maintain peace, prevent further provocation, and prosecute all individuals involved in criminal trespass and contempt of court.

They equally asked 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 representatives of the ASF who signed the statement are 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); Alhaji Audu Mohammed Jamiu, President, AMCOSA; and Hajia Fati Yesufu, Women Leader, Ayuele Solidarity Front (ASF).

Also are Mallam Nurudeen Ibrahim, ASF Diaspora Representative; Mallam Mawi Mahmud, Member, Ayuele Solidarity Front (ASF); Mallam Abdulrazaaq Danoyars Suleiman, FCT-Abuja Coordinator, IYDEF-PEF; and Hajia Mariam Shuaibu, CEO, MARIBRA Pharmacy & Stores Ltd.

Others are Mallam Shehu Sumaila, Member, Ayuele Solidarity Front (ASF); Alhaji Imador Musa, Member, Ayuele Solidarity Front (ASF); Mallam Shuaibu Mahmud, Member, Ayuele Solidarity Front (ASF); Mallam Abdulwahab Shuaibu, Member, Ayuele Solidarity Front (ASF); and Abiodun H. Yesufu (Mrs), Member, Ayuele Solidarity Front (ASF).