The Delta State Customary Court of Appeal in Asaba has made a ruling that removes Ashimedua Agbabu as the Onishe of Ubulu Uno kingdom. Agbabu, a former minister in the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, had been embroiled in a dispute over the traditional title of Onishe in Ubulu Uno. The court case was brought by Mr. Andrew Nwanokwai and four others, challenging Agbabu’s appointment as Onishe.
According to the customs of Ubulu-Uno, only specific families are authorized to hold the title of Onishe, excluding others. The plaintiffs sought a declaration from the court that only certain families have the right to produce the Onishe title holder, and they also requested an injunction against recognizing Agbabu as Onishe.
In a recent judgment, the court granted most of the plaintiffs’ requests. The court directed the installation of Mr. Onuwa Aniagwu as the Onishe of Ubulu-Uno, or the selection and installation of another individual from the designated families. The ruling prohibits the defendants from recognizing Agbabu as Onishe and restrains him from acting in that capacity. Additionally, a fine of N200,000 was imposed on the defendants.