Fresh official statements from the Palace of the Onojie of Ewu Kingdom, the Ewu Traditional Council of Chiefs, and the Council of Elders of Ewu Kingdom, supported by detailed legal correspondence to the Edo State Governor, have jointly clarified the true position of the Ewu chieftaincy matter in the face of growing social media speculation.
In a formal statement dated 18 December 2025, the Palace, speaking through the Ewu Traditional Council of Chiefs, affirmed that His Royal Highness, Barrister Abdul-Rasaq Isesele Ojeifo III, remains the duly installed and recognised Onojie of Ewu Kingdom. The statement recalled that he was traditionally installed in 1997 and subsequently presented with a Staff of Office by the Edo State Government, stressing categorically that he has not been removed from office.
The statement, signed by Chief Osumah Daudu, Daudu of Ewu Kingdom, on behalf of the Traditional Council of Chiefs, cautioned that the Palace communicates only through authorised channels. Members of the public were urged to disregard speculative, exaggerated or unauthorised claims circulating on social media and attributed to unnamed sources.
The Palace further acknowledged the measured and responsible steps taken by the Edo State Government to ensure the smooth and peaceful functioning of the Royal Palace. These include the welfare of palace chiefs and workers, as well as the maintenance of palace facilities. According to the statement, such actions are purely administrative and institutional, undertaken without prejudice to ongoing judicial proceedings.
Also on 18 December 2025, the Council of Elders of Ewu Kingdom, led by Pa J. Ogingben, the Odionwele of Ewu and Head of the Egbemian Kingmakers, issued a separate address calling for calm, restraint and respect for tradition. Drawing from historical and cultural authority, the Elders affirmed that Barr. Ojeifo III was lawfully and traditionally installed as Onojie in 1997 and formally recognised by the Edo State Government.
The Elders appealed to sons and daughters of Ewu Kingdom, as well as friends of the community, to shun rumours and avoid being misled by social media speculation. They emphasised that Ewu Kingdom has endured across generations through wisdom, patience and respect for lawful authority and established institutions.
Beyond the traditional institutions, two letters from senior legal practitioners to the Edo State Governor have further illuminated the legal context of the matter.
In a letter dated 16 December 2025, A.O.O. Ekpu & Co., solicitors to the Kingmakers of Ewu Kingdom, informed the Governor that Rasak Yesufu Ogiefo was traditionally installed as Onojie in 1997 and that no other person has since been installed or officially recognised as Onojie of Ewu Kingdom. The firm cautioned that any claim to the contrary lacks lawful authority.
The letter also disclosed that although a Supreme Court judgment exists, applications for leave to cross-appeal and other applications challenging jurisdiction and fair hearing are still pending before the Supreme Court. Hearing of these applications has been adjourned to 20 March 2026. In addition, related contempt proceedings at High Court No. 7, Benin City, have been adjourned to 15 April 2026, pending the outcome of the Supreme Court proceedings.
Similarly, in a letter dated 19 December 2025, Dele Igbinedion Chambers, acting for His Royal Highness, Barr. Abdul-Rasaq Isesele Ojeifo III, outlined what it described as the true legal position. The firm stated clearly that no court has lawfully removed its client as Onojie of Ewu Kingdom. It further disclosed that a Motion on Notice filed at the Supreme Court on 13 January 2025, seeking to set aside earlier judgments on grounds of fundamental lack of jurisdiction, remains pending and has also been adjourned to 20 March 2026.
The letter cautioned against recent public correspondence circulated in the media, noting that relevant facts concerning pending Supreme Court applications were not fully disclosed, and urged that such communications be approached with restraint and responsibility.
Taken together, the Palace statement, the address by the Council of Elders, and the letters from both legal firms present a consistent and unified position: that Barr. Abdul-Rasaq Isesele Ojeifo III remains the installed and recognised Onojie of Ewu Kingdom; that no court has removed him; and that ongoing judicial processes must be allowed to run their full course, while the Royal Palace continues to function peacefully and lawfully.
Observers note that the convergence of traditional authorities and senior legal practitioners underscores a shared commitment to stability, due process and respect for institutions, rather than confrontation or sensationalism.
As legal proceedings continue, both the Palace and the Council of Elders have reiterated their appeal to the public to rely only on official statements and credible sources, and to place the long-term peace, dignity and honour of Ewu Kingdom above momentary excitement or online speculation.