By Usman A. Bello, Benin
The Edo State House of Assembly has confirmed Prof Roland Otaru as a Commissioner despite the petition by the traditional ruler of Ikpeshi/Egbigere clan, HRH Luckman Momodu Odamah III against his nomination.
Recall that Governor, Monday Okpebholo, had on August 8, 2025, announced the nomination of Prof Roland Otaru, Barrister Nosa Adams, Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa, Felix Akhabue and Prof. Omorodion Ignatius Ikponmwosa as commissioners-designate in the state.
However, while other nominees were screened and confirmed on August 20, 2025, he didn’t appear before the committee.
Sequel to his nomination, his traditional rule petitioned to the state government to stop the House of Assembly from confirming the nominee.
The traditional ruler in a petition dated August 29, 2025, said the confirmation of the nominee would make him a judge over his case.
He alleged that Otaru had been in stern opposition to his ascension to the throne of his forefather, following the death of his father on September 11, 2011.
“Prof.R.I. Otaru has, since the death of my father, HRH, Momodu Odamah II, been working tirelessly against my nomination, traditional installation and eventual appointment by the State Government as a successor to my father.
“From 2012 till date, Prof Otaru has been acting and continues to act as counsel to the Akoko-Edo traditional council that unsuccessfully against my appointment.
“To this end, he unsuccessfully opposed the suit I filed before the High Court, Igarra out of which he now has a pending appeal at the Supreme Court,” he explained.
The traditional ruler said the petition became necessary for him to lay the facts bare before the legal practitioner assumes membership of the Edo State Executive Council in which, he may be charged with the noble responsibility to ensure that any appointment of a traditional ruler in the state accords fully with the gazette and or declaration as passed into law by the government.
