A legal dispute over the burial of the late Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole has reportedly reached the Rivers State High Court, with an interlocutory injunction said to have been issued to halt the funeral pending the determination of the matter.
The suit, instituted at the High Court of Rivers State, Port Harcourt Judicial Division, involves members of the Jack family of Abonnema in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Rivers State, as claimants, with the children of the deceased and several traditional authorities listed among the defendants.
The court document made available identifies Kio Edmund E. Jack, Chief Superintendent Ibinabo Young Jacks (rtd), Chief (Dr) Mbaka Boware N. Jack, Chief Soyibi B.K. Siri, Chief Rotti S.T. Jack and Chief Alabo Kingsley W. Jack as the claimants, suing on behalf of the chiefs and elders of the Jack Group of Houses in Abonnema.
The first set of defendants comprises Arch. Tonye Cole, Boma P. Dele Cole, Jolly Dele Cole, Abiye P. Dele Cole and Dein P. Dele Cole, identified in the document as the biological children and legal representatives of the estate of the late High Chief Patrick Dele Cole.
Other defendants named in the suit include the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disreal Gbobo Bob-Manuel; Chief Dumo Lulu Briggs, identified as the paramount ruler of the Oruwali Group of Houses; Chief Ambie Georgewill, identified as the head of the Otaji Group of Houses; Chief Danagogo, identified as the paramount ruler of the Iju Group of Houses; and HRH Chief Enoch Granville of the Opubenibo-Granville Group of Houses.
The case appears to involve questions concerning the burial arrangements and the interests of family and traditional institutions in Abonnema. However, the specific claims, grounds for the application and terms of the reported injunction could not be established from the page of the court document made available.
The development follows the death of Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, who reportedly died in London on 17 October 2026, aged 86. His death was confirmed in reports by national media, while the Rivers State Government subsequently paid tribute to him as a distinguished diplomat, journalist, author and public servant.
Born in Abonnema in the Kalabari Kingdom, Cole held several prominent national and international positions, including Managing Director of the Daily Times and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Brazil. He also served in Argentina and as Special Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on International Relations.
His death has attracted tributes from political leaders, journalists and organisations across Nigeria, reflecting his contributions to journalism, diplomacy and public service.
The reported injunction introduces a legal dimension to the funeral arrangements, with the dispute now requiring clarification through the court process.
Africa Update reports that further details, including the date of the ruling, the specific reliefs granted and the next hearing date, remain subject to confirmation from the full court order and subsequent proceedings.
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