PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State – July 31, 2025 – Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs, widow of the late prominent Rivers High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs, has escalated a protracted legal dispute by seeking a High Court order to quash proceedings initiated against her at the Degema Customary Court. Dr. Lulu-Briggs contends that the customary court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the case, which she argues is already being litigated in the Rivers State High Court.
Africa Update learnt that the case at the Degema Customary Court was filed by Senibo and Dumo Lulu-Briggs. They allege that, under Kalabari native law and custom, Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs should be barred from bearing her late husband’s name and dispossessed of property in Abonnema. Their claims reportedly stem from allegations that she did not properly mourn her husband, who passed away on December 27, 2018, specifically citing her alleged failure to “sit by the side of the corpse during the burial.”
When the matter came before the Customary Court on Monday, the court directed the claimants to file their response to Dr. Lulu-Briggs’ affidavit, adjourning the case until August 18 for further consideration and a ruling on the jurisdictional challenge.
Speaking to journalists outside the court, Anthony Eyinda, counsel to Dr. Seinye O.B. Lulu-Briggs, confirmed that his client is pushing for the case’s transfer due to the customary court’s alleged lack of jurisdiction over a matter already before a state High Court.
Meanwhile, a strong contingent of female lawyers from Rivers State appeared in court in solidarity with Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs, expressing dismay over the traditional harmful practices that widows often face after losing their husbands.
Dr. Hilda Desmond, the immediate past coordinator of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) in Rivers State, voiced their unwavering support. She stated that Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs’ rights have been continuously violated since her husband’s passing over seven years ago. Also present in support were Tamunoibuemi Life-George, Chairperson of FIDA in Rivers State, and Gloria Ohia, current coordinator of AWLA in Rivers State. They collectively joined calls for the Degema Customary Court to halt all proceedings until the High Court makes a definitive decision on the jurisdictional question.
