Agbede Chieftaincy Dispute: Family Accuses Group of Mischief, Backs Shayau as Rightful Successor
The family of Shayau Momodu has strongly accused the Ayuele Solidarity Front (ASF), a coalition of sons and daughters of the Ayuele clan, of engaging in deliberate mischief and attempting to stoke disharmony within the peaceful Agbede Community in Edo State. This reaction comes in response to an appeal made by the ASF to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, urging his intervention in what they described as a tense chieftaincy row currently rocking the community.
Family Statement Addresses Allegations
A formal statement signed by Mariam Ohanmu and Fatai Momoduthe, the first daughter and one of the sons of the late Oba M.S. Momodu respectively, directly addresses what they call deliberate misrepresentations regarding the succession of the late Oba Momodu Sani Momodu II, the former paramount ruler of Agbede Community. The family specifically referenced a report in The Guardian Newspaper dated March 16, 2026, titled 'Edo Community Seeks Okphebholo's Intervention in Chieftaincy Crisis.'
The statement asserts: "It is evident from the false allegations contained in that report that the group in question is a hurriedly assembled body aiming to cause mischief and stoke disharmony among the peaceful people of Agbede."
Defense of Prince Shayau's Legitimacy
The family statement firmly maintains that Prince Shayau Sani Momodu is the rightfully chosen and popular successor selected to ascend the throne following the demise of Oba Momodu II in 2018. They describe claims that Prince Shayau is "falsely parading himself" as the new monarch as entirely baseless and without merit.
The statement elaborates: "Given his status as the consensus choice of the kingmakers, the accusation that he 'broke into the palace' is not only preposterous but logically flawed. The group's allusion to pending litigation omits critical context that is essential to understanding the current situation."
Court Ruling and Community Consensus
The family provides important legal context to the dispute, noting that on January 12, 2026, Justice U.I. Erameh delivered a significant ruling upholding the Bendel State Legal Notice 46 of 1987. This court decision affirmed that the Athebedha Ruling House holds the exclusive right to nominate a candidate for the throne.
Following this judgment, the family states that the Ruling House, the Council of Chiefs, and the broader community unanimously approved the selection of Prince Shayau Sani Momodu as the rightful successor. This consensus represents what they describe as the legitimate will of the community's traditional institutions.
Clarification on Legal Proceedings
The statement provides clarification regarding ongoing legal proceedings, noting that while a member of the ruling house, Abdul-Lateef Momodu, initially sought an ex parte motion to halt the installation process, the community had previously resisted attempts by Abdul-Lateef to foist himself on the throne. According to the family, the community preferred the academic qualifications and character of Prince Shayau.
The statement adds: "Cross-motions were filed to maintain the status quo pending the substantive suit. However, the ongoing legal challenge has become largely academic, as Prince Abdul-Lateef himself has since declared his full support for his brother, Shayau, as the next Oba of Agbede."
The family's position emphasizes that despite initial legal challenges, the succession process has followed proper traditional and legal channels, with Prince Shayau emerging as the legitimate and supported candidate for the Agbede throne.
