A copy of the writ of summons seen by our reporter, with suit number BYHC/BHC/CU/12/2024, lists Iniekalanyo Egein, Biobelemoye Daufa, Tari Akono, and Ebiekimiete Beredugo as claimants.
King Banigo and High Chief Paul Briggs Omubo–Suobagha, Chairman of the Okpoama Kingdom Council of Chiefs, were listed as the first and second defendants, respectively.
Other defendants include Chief Gabriel S. Gabriel-Williams, Chief Warighaye Dondas, Chief E. S. Beredugo-Elei, Chief E. A. Otiete-Goli, Chief I. S. Sele-Dede, Chief B. T. Burufigha, and Hon. Edmond C. Abite.
Chief Ebimonyo J. I. Ayonimite, HRH N. I. T. Dikuma, HRH L. W. Egba-Abain, HRH Paul W. Odibikuma, Engr. Seiyefa F. Ben-Basuo, and the Attorney General of Bayelsa State were equally listed as defendants.
The claimants, in the writ dated 24th July 2024, want the court to declare that the tenure of King Banigo as occupant of the stool of Ibenyanaowei of Okpoama Kingdom is for life and subsists.
“A declaration that the 1st defendant can only vacate the stool of Ibenyanaowei of Okpoama Kingdom in accordance with the Nembe native law and custom, the Constitution of the Okpoama Kingdom, 2008, and the Chieftaincy Law of Bayelsa State.
“A declaration that the 1st defendant’s proclamation of the 15th day of April 2024, purporting to RETIRE as Ibenyanaowei of Okpoama Kingdom, is null and void, not having been made in accordance with the Nembe native law and custom, the Constitution of the Okpoama Kingdom, 2008, and the Chieftaincy Law of Bayelsa State,” the claimants also requested.
The claimants are also seeking a perpetual injunction to be issued on all defendants, restraining them from accepting or acting on King Banigo’s purported proclamation of retirement made on the 15th of April 2024.
It will be recalled that King Banigo had written a letter to his subjects announcing his retirement as King.
Meanwhile, controversy has erupted as a meeting has been called by the Chairman of the Okpoama Kingdom Chiefs Council, High Chief Paul Briggs-Suobagha who is also the 2nd defendant, ostensibly to deliberate on the matter of the King’s retirement and way forward.
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