Court dethrones Ughelli monarch

By Festus Ahon

UGHELLI – A Delta State High Court sitting in Warri has dethroned Chief Clifford Adade as the Odion Ode of Uhweru Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area, after a 23 years legal battle.

The dethronement was sequel to a suit by the Erovie Quarters of the Kingdom, who had challenged the enthronement of the monarch.

Respondents in the suit were Mr. Adade of Egbo quarters, Ehere quarters, Urede quarters, Egbo quarters, Ohorhor quarters, the state Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

The legal battle started in 1988.

The plaintiff had prayed the court for an injunction stopping the rotation of the position of the Odion Ode, which he argued was the birthright of the Erovie quarters.

He had also asked the court to stop the state Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice from further dealing with Chief Adade as the Odion Ode of Uhweru Kingdom.

Trial judge, Justice F. Ohwo in his judgment, granted the orders sought by the plaintiff.

The court restrained state Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of the state from according Adade any recognition base on his previously alleged status.