UMUNZE/Nigeria: A High Court sitting in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State has condemned the issuance of a certificate of recognition to Chief Timothy Ifurunwa as monarch-elect of Ihite community despite an active court case challenging his emergence.
The certificate, issued on January 14 by Governor Chukwuma Soludo alongside those of other traditional rulers, is being contested by Chief Sampson Okoli, Mr. Raymond Okoli and Mr. Emeka Onyeanusi of the Umuezeoma kindred, who also lay claim to the stool. The Ihite Traditional Council, recognised by the community as the kingmakers, is equally disputing the process, alleging that they were sidelined by a small group that produced Ifurunwa.
During proceedings in suit No. HOS/47/2024, presiding judge Justice Jude Obiora criticised the state government’s action, describing the issuance of the certificate while the matter remained before the court as inappropriate. When informed that a coronation had been fixed for January 3, 2026, the judge asked pointedly: “Why was a certificate issued in the first place when the matter is still in court? It is this lawlessness that has kept us where we are today.”
Counsel to the state government, Mr. Ifeanyi Oguejiofor, told the court he was unable to file certain processes due to ill health and sought additional time. Counsel to the 4th to 7th defendants, representing the Ihite Traditional Council, Mr. Ndubuisi Onyeakpa, raised concerns that the planned coronation could render the suit futile and urged the court to stop the process.
Justice Obiora adjourned the case to January 29, 2026 to enable all parties file their outstanding processes.
Speaking to journalists after the sitting, Oguejiofor said the day’s proceedings could not continue because filings were incomplete, adding that the planned coronation was not up for determination at the hearing.
The plaintiff, High Chief Sampson Okoli, expressed satisfaction with the court’s stance, praising the judge for condemning the issuance of the certificate while the matter remained in dispute. “We have been on this matter for a long time. I’m happy the judge pointed out what was wrong. I believe they will not go ahead with the coronation after what the court said today,” he said.
