STATEMENT FROM THE PALACE OF THE OKUOKPELLAGBE OF OKPELLA

For Immediate Release

The Palace of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella acknowledges the distressing incident that took place during the early hours of 16th May 2026. This was the day after the conclusion of the first phase of the Olimi Festival, and residents had already retired to their homes for the night.

It has been confirmed that one person, Dickson Aliu, tragically lost his life and several others still in hospital with injuries sustained from the incident.

This Palace extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wishes the wounded a full recovery. Every loss of life in our community is deeply painful and unacceptable.

It must be recalled that prior to the festival, the Okuokpellagbe-in-Council, under the leadership of HRM Michael Eshioronoya Olorunfemi Sado, issued clear directives forbidding the possession of firearms, battle axes, or cutlasses during the event.

His Majesty additionally called invited all security agencies, including the Army, the Police, and ESN, to remain on high alert and to guarantee peace before, during, and after the festivities scheduled for 15th to 16th May 2026. The Palace further authorised the deployment of advanced technology, including drones, to monitor compliance and document any individual bearing prohibited materials. Regrettably, despite these precautions, a tragic incident occurred later that night after the festival had ended and the community had retired, leading to the loss of one of our sons.

We call on all residents of Okpella, particularly our young men and all community groups, to remain calm, law-abiding, and peaceful as the security agencies carry out their investigations. No one should take the law into their own hands. It is imperative that we resist the urge to let emotions dictate our actions or words. Prejudging outcomes or directing accusations without evidence does not serve justice; it only obscures the truth and hinders the work of those tasked with finding it.

The Okuokpellagbe remains committed to peace, and no amount of provocative language will alter that stance. We encourage everyone to cooperate fully with law enforcement and to allow facts, not anger, to guide public discourse. Those responsible for any criminal acts will eventually be identified through proper process.

Let us work together to purge our community of violent groups, criminal activities, and the sponsorship of armed thuggery.

It must be understood that true justice can only be achieved through patient and sober deliberation. The Palace therefore expresses complete confidence that the police will carry out a thorough investigation and that those found responsible will face the full weight of the law.

May the departed rest in peace, and may Okpella witness no more such tragedies.

Signed

Emameh Gabriel

Director of Media and Publicity to the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella

May 17, 2026