By Paul Olayemi

Members of the Omodunni family of Ugbo-Nla Town in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have petitioned the Chief Judge of Delta State, requesting the transfer of a pending family dispute over concerns about fair hearing in the judicial process.

In a letter dated May 29, 2026, and addressed to the Chief Judge, the family asked that Suit No. EHC/194/2024, involving a dispute between Mr. Olabode Omodun and Mrs. Monsumola Omodun-Arobo and others, be reassigned from its current court in the Effurun Judicial Division.

The family said the request was prompted by developments during proceedings which, according to them, had generated apprehension among some family members and parties connected to the case.

According to the letter members of the family believe a transfer of the matter would help restore confidence in the adjudication of the dispute and ensure that all parties feel assured of a fair hearing.

The family also stated that they had previously submitted a petition to the National Judicial Council, NJC, concerning issues arising from the proceedings. 

They said the Council subsequently advised them to seek administrative intervention from the office of the Chief Judge.

The petitioners further informed the Chief Judge that an appeal and an application for stay of execution and proceedings had been filed in relation to certain orders made in the course of the case.

Describing the dispute as essentially a family matter, the Omodunni family said tensions within the family had increased as a result of the litigation and urged the Chief Judge to consider transferring the matter to another court of coordinate jurisdiction.

They maintained that their request was made with respect for the judiciary and without any intention to undermine the authority of the court.

The family therefore appealed to the Chief Judge to grant the request in the interest of justice, fairness and public confidence in the judicial process.