Residents of Ikpeshi in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to urgently intervene in a lingering kingship dispute, warning that the disagreement could threaten peace and stability in the community.

Speaking on behalf of concerned indigenes, Ms Peggy Agbo said the crisis followed the state government's decision to revoke the regency of HRH Nicholas Odamah III and reinstate Lukeman Momodu as the traditional head of the clan.

She said the decision had generated dissatisfaction among sections of the community, particularly those who supported Odamah's continued leadership.

According to Agbo, the government, through the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, justified the decision by citing disputes over traditional leadership in the clan and the need to maintain peace, stability and due process.

However, she questioned the circumstances behind the reversal, asking what had changed since the government initially intervened in the dispute and appointed Odamah as regent.

Agbo said the community had reportedly experienced relative peace under Odamah's leadership and urged the state government to explain the reasons for terminating his appointment.

She appealed to Okpebholo to suspend the decision and engage relevant stakeholders in an impartial process to resolve the disagreement.

The community warned that failure to address the matter promptly could heighten tensions, potentially leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, disruption of economic activities and divisions among families and kindreds.

Agbo said early intervention and adherence to due process were necessary to prevent further escalation and restore confidence in the institutions responsible for resolving the dispute.

She also called on the governor to ensure that the concerns of all parties were considered before any further action was taken.

Reacting to the controversy, the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said the government's decision was consistent with existing court decisions.

The dispute is part of a prolonged disagreement over the traditional leadership of Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan, which has generated petitions and legal proceedings involving different stakeholders.

The latest appeal comes amid renewed calls for government intervention to prevent the leadership disagreement from affecting security and relationships within the community.

The concerned indigenes urged the state government to pursue a peaceful and lawful resolution that would command the confidence of the people and protect lives and property.