By Charles Pemu 
A Delta State High Court in Warri has dismissed a suit challenging the appointment of Chief Oma Eyewuoma as the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom.
Justice V.O. Agboje ruled that the case, filed by Chief Ayiri Emami and some members of the Ologbotsere family, was procedurally flawed and therefore invalid.
The plaintiffs had asked the court to declare Eyewuoma’s 2023 appointment unlawful, claiming it violated Itsekiri custom and the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict of Bendel State, 1979. They also sought a perpetual injunction to prevent him from using the title.
In response, Eyewuoma’s counsel, Amiandamen Oriakhi, argued that the Olu of Warri holds the exclusive right to confer traditional titles and that the plaintiffs failed to follow legal procedure before filing the suit.
“In chieftaincy matters, the law requires a formal petition to the government before approaching the court. That step was skipped,” Oriakhi explained.
The court agreed and dismissed the case for lack of jurisdiction, effectively affirming Eyewuoma’s position as the Ologbotsere.