The Commission of Inquiry into the kingship and land ownership disputes within Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South and the neighboring communities in Delta state have called on the parties involved to diligently pursue their cases to ensure speedy conclusion of its assignment.
Chairman of the Commission, Justice Ejiro Emudianowho, who made the call at the resumed sitting of the Commission on Wednesday said time was of essence and as such counsel should be prepared and ready with their witnesses on the days fixed for oral presentations.
Justice Emudainowho commended the various parties and their legal representatives for their peaceful conduct and urged them to continue in that stead as the inquiries progressed.
At its sitting on Wednesday, a petition marked JPI 2024/002 filed by the Ihonor of Ogwashi-Uku, Chief Hyacinth Afamefuna Okolie was filed.
The petitioner, who was led in evidence by his Counsel, Efe Akpofure SAN, said the petition was against Obi Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo’s claim to hold Obubu community land in trust.
He made a written deposition to substantiate his claim which was tendered and admitted as exhibit by the Commission.
Under cross examination, Counsel to Obi Okonjo, Mr. Chike Onyemenam, SAN, drew the attention of the petitioner to a subsisting court judgement which conferred the right of ownership of land on the Obi.
The petitioner however, denied knowledge of the said judgement, a copy of which was tendered and admitted as exhibit.
In another petition, Prince Ikechukwu Okonjo alleged that the ascendency to the throne of Ogwashi-Uku was through primogeniture and that he was the rightful person to succeed his late father by virtue of his being the eldest son.
The petitioner, through his Counsel, Albert Akpomudje, tendered the petition and all the supporting affidavit to substantiate his claim which were admitted as exhibit.
Counsel to the Traditional Ruler of Ogwashi-Uku, Mr Chike Onyemenam , SAN, who cross examined the petitioner asked if he was aware of a pending suit, which , he the petitioner earlier filed in a state High Court.
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