LAGOS/Nigeria: Projections made by some notable chiefs and political leaders in Delta State suffered a breach on Tuesday as the Federal High Court delivered a series of rulings against the illegal faction of the Okpe Union.
In a significant legal blow, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja reversed its earlier order, granted to the faction formerly led by Professor of Music, Emurobome Idolor, and now helmed by Chief Joseph Aboze. The court nullified the directive to appoint a Board of Trustees for the Okpe Union, thus upholding the authority of the legitimate leadership.
This ruling follows a similar decision by the Federal High Court in Lagos last year, which declared the leadership appointed by His Royal Majesty, Orhue I, Orodje of Okpe, as the only lawful authority. This series of legal victories have effectively dashed the hopes of the illegal faction to assert control over the Union.
In response to the rulings, the Okpe Union released a statement urging all Okpe nationals to respect the judgments and rulings of the courts. The Union emphasized the importance of upholding the Rule of Law in the Okpe Nation and Kingdom, calling for unity among its people for the development of their land.
According to the statement signed by the Okpe Union General Secretary, Akpederin Kingsley Ehensiri, the recent rulings have nullified the illegal faction’s Board of Trustees and paved the way for the legally recognized leadership to appoint trustees for the ninety-four-year-old Union.
The courts have affirmed the National Executive Council of the Okpe Union, led by Prof Igho Natufe, as the sole authority to appoint trustees and administer the Union in accordance with its constitution.
