The Court of Appeal, Benin Division, has granted an interim order staying the execution of an Edo State High Court judgment concerning the disputed stool of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella. The order followed an application by His Royal Majesty Michael Sado, who challenged the lower court’s decision. 

In March 2026, Justice O.A. Otamere of the Edo State High Court, in Suit No. HAG/12/2025, had nullified Sado’s appointment and ordered the reinstatement of Lukeman Akemokue. The court held that the process leading to Akemokue’s removal and Sado’s emergence did not comply with the principle of fair hearing.

At the appeal hearing, Edo State Attorney-General Prof. Roland Otaru, SAN, told the appellate court that the application sought to suspend execution of the High Court judgment pending the determination of the appeal. Counsel to the first respondent, D.A. Alegbe, subsequently gave an undertaking to the court, after which the interim stay was granted.

The order means that Sado remains in traditional office for the time being, while the appeal is pending. The Court of Appeal adjourned the matter to a date to be communicated to the parties.