The Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba, the state capital, on Monday sacked the traditional ruler of Ibrede clan, Ndokwa-East Local Government Area of the state, Augustine Ene Oghenejabor.
The court, headed over by Justice Godwin Briki-Okolosi, also barred the Delta State government from acknowledging and treating the deposed monarch as the clan’s leader.
On November 25, 2021, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, represented by his deputy, Kingsley Otuaro, presented Oghenejabor with a staff of office as the Odiologbo of Ibrede tribe.
In an action designated A/159/2021, Peterclaver Oke and Maxwell Etoroma sued Oghenejabor, Gabriel Oku, Odio Hitler Oboyano, Attorney-General, Delta State House of Assembly, and six others as (defendants) for Oghenejabor’s illegitimate selection as Ibrede clan’s leader.
In a writ of summons, counsel to the claimants, Anthony Ejumejowo, had prayed the court for: “An order nullified the purported installation of Augustine Ene Oghenejabor as the Odiologbo of Ibrede clan by the deputy governor of Delta State during the pendency of hearing of this suit and final determination of the suit.
“An order of this honorable court restraining the Delta State Government from recognizing Augustine Ene Oghenejabor as the Odiologbo of Ibrede clan and according to him the privileges of the office pending the hearing and determination of this matter.”
Justice Briki-Okolosi granted all of the plaintiffs’ interlocutory pleas in his ruling on Monday.
According to reports the news of the monarch’s detention sparked wild celebrations among town inhabitants on Monday.
