The Delta State High Court sitting in Bomadi Judicial Division has declared Egrangbene in Burutu Local Government Area of the state an autonomous community that is distinct and separate from Oporomor Clan/Kingdom.
The court, presided over by Justice S.O. Adolor, handed down the judgment on July 22 in Suit No: HCB/16/2022.
Part of the judgment read thus: “Following the above case of the claimants succeeded in part, I therefore hold as follows; A declaration that Egrangbene community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State is an autonomous community distinct and separate from all other communities in Burutu Local Government Area of the state, including Oporomor Clan/Kingdom.
“Relief two and three of the claimants is refused, same having not been proved. Relief two and three are therefore struck out.”
By this judgement, the people of Egrangbene Federated communities comprising of Egrangbene, Abadiama, Ekumugbene, Ekogbene, Ekolegbene and Ebeberegbene are set to have their own Pere (King) and kingdom in the person of Henry Ambakaderemo Okrikpa.
Nigerian Tribune learnt that the High Chief Etare Lucky Yoweibo, Mr. Globemi Allele, Chief Oboye, Omonibeke, Mr. Christopher, Mr. Daniel Egberonamene and Mr. Kofi Kobuyou had approached the court on behalf of the people of Egrangbene Federated communities and their associated towns had approached the court through their lawyers, Chinyere.C. Ndoala Esq (Mrs.) and Mr. Owen Nanakumoh Esq.
They commenced a suit against the defendants vide a writ of summons signed by Professor Osaretin Izevbuwa filed on May 23, 2022.
They prayed the court for, ”A declaration that Egrangbene community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State is an autonomous community distinct and separate from all other communities in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, including Oporomor Clan/Kingdom.
“A declaration that Egrangbene Federated community as an autonomous community distinct and separate from Oporomor Clan/Kingdom with its own peculiar traditions and customs is entitled to own its king/traditional ruler to act as the custodian and administrator of its own distinct customs and tradition.
“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants jointly and severally from initiating/continuing the process for the nomination, election and installation of a new king for Oporomor Kingdom following the demise of HRH Captain Samuel Evah (retd) with the inclusion of the people of Egrangbene community or any of its federated communities.”
However, the defendants, Felix Okpora, J.O. Seiba, Benjamin Oroso (for themselves and on behalf of Ojobo community), Otiki Bekekeme, Akeme Afido, Appolos Oroso (for themselves and on behalf of Bubu-Ojobo community), Felix Gbadiakumor, Francis Mounzimor, Opena Esamasuode (for themselves and on behalf of Akorugbene community), Yeipegha Onuama, Biri Ebi and Samuel Tamaraumienyefa (for themselves and on behalf of the people of Ndoro community), joined issues with the claimants with their statements of defence throught their counsels, Chief Benjamin Fankoro Yeigagha Esq and Anthony Riasavwe Esq respectively.
The matter went into trial and both parties legally slugged it out but Justice Adolor resolved the matter with the judgment he delivered.
While delivering judgment he said,”I am in agreement that the claimants is entitled to have their own King and in their own Kingdom distinct from Oporomor Clan in relief but seek to restrain the installation of a new king in Oporomor clan in relief three.
“Before confusing this judgment, let me say while I tend to agree with the above definition in line with reliefs sought.
“I am however cautious that Oporomor clan within the Burutu Local Government Area will not be likened to a state within the Nigeria state in that context Egrangbene, Abadiama Ekumugbene, Ekogbene,Ekolegbene and Ebeberegbene with common customs and traditions. I shall without hesitation hold that relief one is well founded from the evidence before me.”
There was jubilation in Egrangbene Federated communities over the judgment. The indigenes said it is sweet victory for them. According to them, ”The court has proven that indeed, it is the last hope of the common man.”
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