By NEFISHETU YAKUBU

The Edo House of Assembly has summoned Ikpeshi youths over the kingship dispute and revenue collection tussle crises in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.

The speaker, Mr Blessing Agbebaku, during Tuesday’s plenary, said the summon was an intervention move to quell the unrest, which reportedly led to fatalities and burning of the palace of the traditional ruler.

Agbebaku, who ordered the warring factions to sheath their swords and appear before lawmakers on Wednesday, described the recent violent clashes in the community as unacceptable and stressing the urgent need for legislative mediation.

While condemning the bloodbath, the speaker said it undermined Gov. Monday Okpebholo’s stance on peaceful coexistence among the people of the state.

He pledged the assembly’s commitment to resolving any threat to public peace.

He urged the lawmaker representing Akoko-Edo II, Mr Donald Okogbe, to bring representatives of both factions to the assembly for immediate dialogue and peaceful resolution.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the plenary, Okogbe confirmed that the clash centered on revenue rights and kingship dispute.

He noted that security operatives had restored normalcy to the area.

He said, “I got a call from the traditional ruler on the crises, and I immediately notified the speaker who announced it at plenary.”

Meanwhile, four bills passed first reading during the session, including a bill to repeal the 2023 sanitation law and to enact a new 2025 sanitation policy.

The House also adopted 54 sitting days for the first quarter, third session of the eight house assembly. (NAN)