By Emma Arubi
WARRI—A DELTA State High Court sitting at Isiokolo, Ethiope has declared as null and void,  the purported removal of Chief William Ibori, elder brother to former Governor of the state, Chief James Ibori as the Unugbrogodo of Ogharefe  by HRM Ovie of Oghara Kingdom, Oreki  11.

HRM had last week de-robed Chief Ibori,  for alleged sundry offences against the kingdom and snubbing all invitations to answer to queries bordering on his alleged anti-palace activities.

Trial judge in the matter, Justice Fred Oho, in his ruling on an application by Chief Ibori, held that he (Ibori) was legitimately conferred with the title and issued a certificate of registration on April 24, 2008 under the seal and signature of the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs, Asaba, under the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edit of Delta State, 1998.

The judge maintained that under the law,  the first and second defendants have no powers to withdraw the title from the claimant after having conferred it on him and having it gazetted in line with the relevant laws of the state.

The court meanwhile, has also restrained the defendants from appointing, installing or conferring on any one the title of Unugbrogodo of Ogharefe as the said title is not vacant by any means.