Nomination, Appointment Of Prof. R.I. Otaru, (SAN), Makes Him Judge Over His Own Case -HRH Luckman Odamah III


The Traditional Ruler of Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan, His Royal Highness, Luckman Odamah III has called on the Edo State government to withdraw the nomination and announcement of Prof. R. 1. Otaru, SAN as a Commissioner Designate in Edo State saying that his eventual confirmation and appointment would make him a judge in his own course as he is alleged to be involved in the crisis rocking the clan.

He made the declaration during a press briefing today at the premises of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Benin City, the Edo State capital.

According to him, " Prof.R.I Otaru, (SAN) is deeply involved in the orchestration of the crisis rocking Ikpesi/ Egbigere clan particularly with respect to my appointment and ascension to the throne of the late Zaiki of Ikpeshi/ Egbigere Clan, therefore his membership of the Executive Council will put him in a position that makes him a judge in his own course, that is, use his position to supplant the lawful position of the Edo State government that has never accepted any contrary position as contained in the gazette and declaration of number BSN 159 of 1979.

"This petition has become necessary to lay the fact bare that if Prof.R.I Otaru, (SAN) assumes membership of the Edo State Executive Council which is saddled with the noble responsibility of ensuring any appointment of traditional rulers in Edo State which is in synch with the gazette or declaration as passed into law by the Edo State government that the process would be highly compromised.

" Your Excellency Sir
First and foremost, let me express my profound gratitude and appreciation to the Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the honour done the people of Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan for the nomination and announcement of Prof. R. 1. Otaru, (SAN) as a Commissioner Designate in Edo State. This is the first time in the history of our beloved Clan that one of our sons is so named in Edo State. As the Traditional Ruler of Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan, I convey the joy and reverence of my people to His Excellency for this singular honour. 

He however Urged the Edo State government not to proceed with the confirmation and subsequent appointment of Prof. R. I. Otaru, (SAN) because of what he described as his alleged role in the crisis rocking the clan as a result of his appointment as the traditional ruler of the clan. 

 According to him, "Upon the death of my father, HRH Alhaji Momodu Odamah II, Prof. R. I. Otaru, (SAN) have been in stern opposition to my legitimate and lawful quest to ascend the throne and succeed my late father as the Zaiki of Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan. He worked tirelessly against my nomination, traditional installation and eventual appointment by the State Government. From 2012 till date, he, (Prof. R. I. Otaru, (SAN) has been acting and continues to act as Counsel to the Akoko-Edo Traditional Council that unsuccessfully worked 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. 

Still speaking, he alleged that since November, 2024, the said Prof. R. I. Otaru, (SAN) has instigated a series of attacks against him and the entire clan, leading to wanton destruction of properties and businesses.

"Since November, 2024, his cohort has unleashed a reign of terror against me and the entire Clan leading to several armed attacks against innocent indigenes of Ikpeshi and wanton destruction of assets, businesses and properties of hundreds of people of Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan. Again, on 17th June, 2025, these murderous elements sought to eliminate me in the presence of men of Nigerian Police and this led to the invitation by the House of Assembly on 18 June, 2025 where I was unjustly arrested within the premises of the House of Assembly. When the House invited the Commissioner of Police on 24" June, 2025 to explain my unlawful arrest and detention, Prof. R. I. Otaru, (SAN) was conspicuously on hand at the House of Assembly in support of my arrest

"From 2012 till date, the position of Prof. R. I. Otaru, (SAN) has always been in opposition to that of the Edo State Government, the Attorney-General of Edo State and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in all the court cases with respect to my ascension to the throne from the High Court, to the Court of Appeal and now at the Supreme Court on the chieftaincy contest in [kpeshi/Egbigere Clan. 

"From every perspective, therefore, Prof. R. I. Otaru, (SAN) is deeply involved in the crises rocking Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan, particularly with respect to my appointment and ascension to the throne of the Zeiki of Ikpesh:/Egbigere Clan. Thus, his membership of the State Executive Council will ultimately put him in a position that makes him a Judge in his own cause"

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