Port Harcourt, Rivers State – A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has declared the position of Chief of Ulakwo in the Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State as non-existent, thereby nullifying the purported appointment of Eze Godwin Ogu to the said title.
In a ruling delivered yesterday, the presiding judge emphasized that the recognition and elevation of chieftaincy stools by the state government are contingent upon their pre-existence within the customs and traditions of the respective communities. The court affirmed that due process, involving nomination, selection, or election in accordance with established customs, must be followed for any individual to be legitimately installed as a chief.
Consequently, the court issued a perpetual injunction restraining Eze Ogu from further parading himself, performing any functions, or acting in any capacity as the Chief of Ulakwo. The ruling explicitly stated that any contravention of this order would attract severe legal repercussions.
The judge underscored the importance of adhering to established rules and regulations in the pursuit of traditional titles. Furthermore, the court formally recognized His Royal Highness Eze Dr. Ken O. Nwala as the sole authentic King of the Ulakwo Umuselem Clan in Etche.
