Benin City — In a swift and unprecedented move, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor, the traditional ruler of Agenebode and Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom, over escalating security concerns in his domain.

According to an official statement released today by the Office of the Chief Press Secretary, the suspension comes in the wake of rising incidents of kidnapping and killings in Agenebode, located in Etsako East Local Government Area.

The press release signed by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, stated that the action was taken due to “recent cases of incessant kidnapping and killings” linked to the area under the monarch’s jurisdiction.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, the traditional ruler’s secretary, Chief Peter Omiogbemhi, has reportedly been arrested by security agencies. His arrest follows a violent incident that led to the death of a palace chief, the Late John Ikhamate.

Governor Okpebholo has declared the suspension of Dr. Egabor to be indefinite, signaling a strong stance by the state government against rising insecurity and possible internal complicity.

This marks a rare intervention by the state government into traditional leadership and highlights the administration’s commitment to restoring law and order in affected areas.