A High Court sitting in Enugu State has affirmed High Chief Dr. Christian Okwudili Akpata as the duly elected and lawful DimEze IV of Akama-Oghe in Ezeagu Local Government Area, bringing an end to nearly eight years of litigation over the community’s traditional stool.
The judgment was delivered by Justice E.M. Egumgbe, who upheld Akpata’s selection and election following a prolonged legal dispute that reportedly involved multiple court processes and challenges from rival interests within the community.
Reacting to the verdict in a statement on Wednesday, legal practitioner and counsel to Akpata, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, described the ruling as a landmark victory for justice, the rule of law, and the rights of communities to determine their traditional leadership without undue interference.
According to Ejiofor, Akpata approached his law firm in 2022 after several previous legal efforts failed to resolve the dispute. He stated that his team reviewed the matter, amended existing court processes, and pursued the case to its conclusion.
“The matter endured an extraordinarily chequered history. For nearly eight years, it traversed litigation, uncertainty, delay, and political undercurrents. Yet justice arrived firmly and decisively,” he said.
In a related development, Ejiofor disclosed that another High Court judgment delivered on the same day by Justice C.C. Okaa in Onitsha, Anambra State, ruled in favour of Rotech Group, an estate development company represented by his chambers.
According to him, the court nullified the revocation of the company’s Certificate of Occupancy by the state government and awarded damages against the government for what was described as an unlawful exercise of executive power.
The lawyer said the two judgments underscored the critical role of the judiciary in safeguarding constitutional rights and checking abuses of power.
He also called on the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, to facilitate the necessary administrative processes for the formal recognition and presentation of the Certificate of Office to Akpata as the traditional ruler of Akama-Oghe.
Ejiofor commended the judges for what he described as their courage, independence, and commitment to justice, noting that the rulings demonstrated that the courts remain a vital pillar of Nigeria’s democracy and the last hope of the common citizen.
He added that the decisions should serve as an inspiration to judicial officers across the country to uphold the rule of law without fear or favour.
