Even though a court case (Suit No. OUHC/133/2025) is still pending, challenging both the coronation and succession to the throne of the Udu Kingdom in Udu Local Government Area the Delta State Government, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is proceeding with plans to present the Staff of Office to the newly appointed Ovie of Udu Kingdom, Engr. Michael Orugbo.
The lawsuit, filed as an originating summons, seeks the court’s interpretation on whether Engr. Alex Neyin (Chairman, Interim Management Committee, Okporua Ruling House), Hon. David K. Chobore (Secretary, Interim Management Committee, Okporua Ruling House), Sir/Chief Sam E. Odibo JP (Otota/Regent of Udu Kingdom), Chief Solomon Kponah JP (Secretary, Udu Council of Chiefs), and Chief Tagbovwere Koro (Odede Ade of Udu Kingdom) have properly followed the chieftaincy laws governing succession to the title of Ovie of Udu.
The suit is also asking the court to nullify the decision of the Delta State Executive Council and to restrain Governor Sheriff Oborevwori from presenting the Staff of Office to Engr. Michael Orugbo, in order to uphold and respect the authority of the court in a democratic setting.
At a press conference in Warri, lawyer Dr. Martins Ahweyevu Mokoro, speaking on behalf of his client, Chief Wisdom Ghaghara JP, explained that paragraph 5 of the law governing succession to the Ovie of Udu throne stipulates a 60-day period within which the Okporua Ruling House must elect its candidate. However, according to Dr. Mokoro, the 1st to 6th defendants conducted their selection process between May 7 and June 6, 2025 just 30 days contrary to the legal requirement.
Dr. Mokoro, of M. Ahweyevu Mokoro & Co. Legal Practitioners, Enerhen Road, further disclosed that only Engr. Michael Orugbo has entered an appearance and responded to the suit. He added that Engr. Orugbo has filed a “Notice of Preliminary Objection,” contesting the court’s jurisdiction to hear the matter.
According to Dr. Martins Ahweyevu Mukoro, “on October 9, 2025, the Delta State Executive Council chaired by the Deputy Governor ratified the disputed election of the 6th defendant, despite the ongoing court case (Suit No. OUHC/133/2025) challenging it. He said the defendants have now set November 7, 2025, as the date for the coronation and presentation of the Staff of Office by the 8th defendant, the Governor, in what he described as a blatant disregard for the authority of the High Court.
Dr. Mukoro explained that in response, the claimant filed a motion asking the court to nullify the Executive Council’s decision and to restrain the Governor from going ahead with the presentation in order to protect the integrity of the judiciary. When it became evident that the Governor still intended to proceed, the claimants wrote to the Delta State Attorney General on October 22, 2025, appealing to him to advise the Governor against holding the ceremony.
Speaking at a press conference, Dr. Mukoro said the briefing was meant to draw public attention to the continued disregard for a pending court case by government officials who are constitutionally bound to uphold judicial authority. He noted that the matter was last heard on October 16, 2025, and adjourned to December 18, 2025, for further hearing.
Dr. Mukoro stressed that the defendants are acting with full knowledge of the law and access to competent legal counsel from the Ministry of Justice. He described the planned presentation of the Staff of Office as a direct affront to the judiciary, intended to pressure the court and preempt its judgment. He urged the government to postpone the ceremony indefinitely until the High Court delivers its ruling.
He concluded by emphasizing that in any society governed by the rule of law, government authorities must not resort to self-help or take unilateral action once a matter is before the court, but instead allow the legal process to take its full course.
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