A Kogi State High Court sitting in Anyigba on Tuesday, the 8th day of June, 2022, delivered judgment in a case instituted in 2020 by Elder Moses Okeme, the Onu Ofabo (Ebije) against one Major Joseph Ameh Agada (rtd) over Onu Ofabo chieftaincy stool.
The other defendants in the case include Ofu Local Government Council, Ofu Local Government Traditional Council, Igala Area Traditional Council, and the the Attah Igala.
The claimant had amongst other reliefs, prayed the court to nullify the purported beading of Major Joseph Ameh Agada Rtd as Onu Ofabo as the said beading was done after more than one year that the claimant was beaded as Onu Ofabo (Ebije) by the then Attah Igala.
While delivering its judgment, the trial Judge, the Honourable Justice Fola Ajayi, held that the purported beading of Major Joseph Ameh Agada Rtd as Onu Ofabo when the claimant who was first beaded as Onu Ofabo is still alive and not debeaded, is unlawful and therefore, null and void.
The court further held that the purported suspension of the claimant as Onu Ofabo and the subsequent recognition of Major Joseph Ameh Agada rtd as Onu Ofabo without due process, is in total breach of the Claimant’s right to fair hearing.
The court proceeded to grant the reliefs of the claimant which included an order restraining Major Joseph Ameh Agada Rtd from parading himself as Onu Ofabo, and an order compelling the defendants to accord the claimant every recognition, right and privilege that are due to him as the legitimate Onu Ofabo.
While thanking the court, the claimant’s Counsel, Arome Odoma stated that the judgment has once again, affirmed the long-age saying that the court is the last hope of the common man.
Counsel to the State, Orah Omale as well as counsel to Major Joseph Ameh Agada Rtd, all appreciated the court for the well-researched judgment.
While reacting to the judgment, the claimant, Chief Moses Okeme, the Onu Ofabo (Ebije) described the court victory as “victory for all the sons and daughters of Ofabo Community.”
A Statement signed by him personally reads this:
“Today, the 8th day of June, 2022, the High Court of Justice sitting in Anyigba delivered judgment in the suit I filed in 2018 to challenge the unlawful beading of one Elder Major Joseph Ameh Agada Rtd as a parallel Onu Ofabo.
“First and foremost, I give glory to the Almighty God for giving me victory despite all human odds.
“The victory is indeed, victory for all the good sons and daughters of Ofabo, and for all those who stand for justice. I sincerely appreciate the Court for affirming the long-age belief that the court is the last hope of the common man.
“I also thank my lawyer, Arome Odoma, Esq. for a job well done. I thank the sons and daughters of Ofabo Community who stood by me throughout the duration of this case. I thank the Attah Igala, the Ejeh of Ofu and all traditional rulers who stand for justice and fairness in Igala land.
“As a man of the people, I welcome everyone on board including those who see themselves as adversaries. Despite being victorious, I extend my hands of fellowship to Elder Major Joseph Ameh Agada, Rtd. to join me and our good people to move Ofabo Community forward. I do not bear any grudge(s) against anyone despite all that happened. It is a matter of common knowledge that while this case was on, my lovely wife, Elder Mrs. Christiana Eyene Okeme, the Iye Ofabo passed on. I dedicate this victory to her for standing by me at all times even to the very end! May God bless and keep the good people of Ofabo!”
