PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State – June 25, 2025 – The Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Judicial Division, has unequivocally reaffirmed His Royal Highness King Dr. Appolus Chu as the legitimate Oneh Eh Nchia the X of Eleme Kingdom, bringing a definitive legal conclusion to a protracted chieftaincy dispute.
In a landmark judgment delivered on Friday, June 13, 2025, by Honourable Justice A. M. Talba, the appellate court upheld the earlier ruling of the High Court of Rivers State. The High Court had previously declared King Appolus Chu as the authentic Oneh Eh Nchia the X of Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State.
The Court of Appeal’s decision saw the dismissal of all six grounds of appeal filed by Chief Bebe Okpabi, under Appeal No. CA/PH/370/2023. The appellate court found the case to be entirely without merit, thereby solidifying King Appolus Chu’s royal authority.
This judgment effectively brings to an end years of legal wrangling over the revered Oneh Eh Nchia stool, paving the way for sustained peace and stability within the Eleme Kingdom. The reaffirmation of King Appolus Chu’s leadership is expected to allow him to fully focus on the development and unity of his people.
King Appolus Chu was initially selected by the Nchia Council of Chiefs and Elders in accordance with Eleme tradition, following the voluntary resignation of King Philip Osaro Obele. His ascension was unanimously endorsed by all six clans of Nchia. This latest judicial pronouncement reinforces the validity of that traditional process and subsequent High Court affirmation.
