The Ayuele Solidarity Front (ASF), a coalition of prominent sons and daughters of Ayuele Clan, has raised the alarm over what it described as an escalating crisis in Agbede community, Edo State, following the alleged unlawful installation of Mr. Shayawu Momodu as the traditional ruler.
In a statement, the group called on the Edo State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the community.
According to the coalition, the dispute over the Agbede chieftaincy stool intensified after the death of the late Oba M. S. Momodu.
It said the matter had been the subject of a prolonged succession battle until a judgment delivered on January 12, 2026, by the Federal High Court affirmed that succession to the throne should follow seniority among the sons of the late monarch.
The group, however, alleged that before the Certified True Copy of the court judgment could be obtained for implementation, some individuals hurriedly installed Mr. Shayawu Momodu as Oba of Agbede without lawful authority.
ASF further claimed that Mr. Shayawu and his supporters later forced their way into the Agbede Palace, which had been locked pending lawful installation procedures.
According to the group, the action occurred despite a suspension order reportedly issued by the Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as well as a High Court injunction restraining Mr. Shayawu from parading himself as the traditional ruler.
The coalition alleged that Mr. Shayawu has continued to occupy the palace and present himself as Oba in defiance of the orders.
ASF warned that the development could threaten public peace in the community if not urgently addressed.
The group said it had been working to calm aggrieved youths in the area to prevent them from resorting to self-help but cautioned that tensions were rising due to the continued occupation of the palace.
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The coalition therefore called on the Edo State Governor to order the immediate eviction of Mr. Shayawu and his supporters from the Agbede Palace and ensure compliance with court orders and government directives.
It also urged the Edo State Commissioner of Police to deploy security personnel to maintain peace and prosecute those allegedly involved in criminal trespass and contempt of court.
In addition, the group appealed to the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to investigate individuals whose actions could destabilise the community.
The Ayuele Solidarity Front reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful and lawful resolution of the chieftaincy dispute and urged members of the Ayuele Clan to remain calm and law-abiding while awaiting government intervention.
The statement was signed by several members of the coalition, including Hon. Zak A. Momoh, former member of the Edo State House of Assembly; Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, Executive Director of the Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED); Barr. Faruk Mahmud, former Vice Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Area; and Mr. Sanni Zuberu, a retired Chief Superintendent of Police.
Others are Alhaji Audu Mohammed Jamiu, President of AMCOSA; Hajia Fati Yesufu, Women Leader of the Ayuele Solidarity Front; Mallam Nurudeen Ibrahim, ASF Diaspora Representative; Mallam Mawi Mahmud; Mallam Abdulrazaaq Danoyars Suleiman, FCT-Abuja Coordinator of IYDEF-PEF; Hajia Mariam Shuaibu, CEO of MARIBRA Pharmacy & Stores Ltd.; Mallam Shehu Sumaila; Alhaji Imador Musa; Mallam Shuaibu Mahmud; Mallam Abdulwahab Shuaibu; and Mrs. Abiodun H. Yesufu.