Edo traditional ruler denies fraud allegation

The Okuokpellaogbe of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Michael Sado, has denied allegations of financial fraud and personal control of community resources. Sado made the clarification in an interview with journalists, following his recent invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The Ukhomuyo Council of Village Heads, through […]

The Okuokpellaogbe of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Michael Sado, has denied allegations of financial fraud and personal control of community resources.

Sado made the clarification in an interview with journalists, following his recent invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Ukhomuyo Council of Village Heads, through its counsel, A.O. Osagie and Associates, had petitioned the EFCC, accusing the monarch of converting community assets for personal use and diverting funds derived from natural resources into his private account.

They also alleged that he breached the Community Development Agreement between Okpella Cement Plc (Dangote Cement) and the community.

 

Reacting, Sado described the allegations as orchestrated by individuals whose access to community funds was blocked under his administration’s transparency-driven reforms.

 

He said that before his ascension seven months ago, Okpella—despite hosting major industries—lacked basic infrastructure. According to him, revenues were previously shared among stakeholders without tangible development.

 

To address this, he said he scrapped the old revenue structure and redirected funds to development projects. “Okpella now generates about N8 million monthly. I do not take from it; the funds go into security and projects,” he said.

 

Sado clarified that he was not arrested but only invited by the EFCC over a petition he claimed had been disowned by the community.

 

He said he had presented evidence of projects funded by community revenue, including a Police Area Command, court buildings, borehole repairs, a market, and a modern palace.

 

Other initiatives include a microfinance bank and an ICT centre.

 

He added that he introduced a central community account and maintains detailed records of all transactions.

 

Sado maintained that his focus remains on improving infrastructure and living standards in Okpella.