Delta court strips ex-minister Agbabu of traditional title

 Court Removes Ex-Minister Agbabu as Onishe of Ubulu-Uno Kingdom

The Delta State Customary Court of Appeal, sitting in Asaba, has nullified the appointment of former Minister of State for Agriculture, Ashimedua Agbabu, as the Onishe (kingmaker) of Ubulu-Uno Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area.

Agbabu, who served as a minister under former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, was removed following a protracted legal battle over the traditional title.

The case, initiated by Andrew Nwanokwai and four others, challenged Agbabu’s conferment as Onishe, arguing that he was not qualified under the native laws and customs of Ubulu-Uno. According to tradition, only members of the Umuokpa and Idumu-Onishe families from Umuolo village, Anioshe Quarters, are eligible to hold the title.

Court Ruling

The plaintiffs had appealed against a previous ruling by the Customary Court in Ogwashi-Uku (Suit No. ASACC/91/2020), which was delivered on May 13, 2022. In their appeal (No. DCCA/14/2023), they sought:

• A declaration affirming that only the Umuokpa and Idumu-Onishe families are entitled to produce the Onishe of Ubulu-Uno.

• A ruling that the first defendant had no authority under Ubulu-Uno native law to bestow the title upon Agbabu.

• A permanent injunction preventing Agbabu from presenting himself as the Onishe or performing any functions related to the title.

Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice G. N. Dele Okafor ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, granting nearly all their prayers.

Key Judgments

Justice Okafor directed that the rightful Onishe should be installed according to tradition:

• The first defendant must install the fifth plaintiff, Mr. Onuwa Aniagwu, as the Onishe or immediately initiate the selection and installation process of a qualified candidate from the Umuokpa or Idumu-Onishe families.

• The first defendant is permanently barred from recognizing Agbabu as the Onishe.

• Agbabu is prohibited from parading himself as the Onishe or carrying out any associated duties.

Additionally, the court awarded N200,000 in costs against the defendants.

This ruling brings a significant resolution to the long-standing chieftaincy dispute and reaffirms the customary laws governing traditional leadership in Ubulu-Uno Kingdom.