The leadership and people of Umuolo Village in Onicha-Ugbo, Aniocha North Local Council of Delta State have rejected the installation of Mr Ernest Odeigah as the Ozah-Umuolo, insisting that the appointment violated the community’s age-old customs and was carried out despite a pending appeal and an application for an injunction before the Court of Appeal.

In a resolution adopted at a general meeting on July 7, 2026, and forwarded to the Deputy Governor of Delta State and other relevant government authorities, the community declared that it neither recognises nor accepts Odeigah as the traditional title holder.

It maintained that Chief Henry Eshijonam Omu (SAN) remains its duly nominated candidate for the stool.

The dispute arose following the vacancy created by the death of the former Ozah-Umuolo, Chief Cyprian Azubukwu Mosindi, on November 9, 2022.

According to the community, the customs and traditions of Onicha-Ugbo stipulate that the Ozah-Umuolo title rotates among the four quarters (Idumus) that make up Umuolo Village: Idumu-Uge (Umu Abor), Isi Abuanor (Umu-Ogboi-Juwe), Idumu-Odegweh and Idumu-Nwani.

The villagers said it was the turn of Idumu-Odegweh to produce the next Ozah. Consequently, following a 14-day ultimatum reportedly issued by the Obi-in-Council on September 22, 2023, the community nominated Chief Omu (SAN) as its Ozah-designate on September 24, 2023.

However, the community alleged that before Omu could be formally presented, the Obi of Onicha-Ugbo unilaterally announced Mr Ernest Odeigah as the Ozah-Umuolo on October 5, 2023.

The villagers further stated that the installation process was halted after Justice E. G. Timi of the Delta State High Court, Onicha-Ugbo, issued injunctive orders on October 17, 2023.

They explained that although the High Court sitting in Owa-Oyibu, in a judgment delivered by Justice N. Ogadi on June 29, 2026, struck out the suit on the grounds that it lacked jurisdiction, they immediately exercised their right of appeal.

According to the resolution, the community filed a Notice of Appeal alongside a Motion on Notice seeking a prohibitive injunction. Both processes were served on all parties and their counsel on July 2, 2026.

Despite the pending appeal and the application for injunctive relief, the appellants alleged that the Obi proceeded to install Odeigah as Ozah-Umuolo on July 3, 2026.

In the resolution, signed by the heads of the four constituent quarters and the President of the Umuolo Youths, the community declared that it “rejects and does not recognise” Odeigah as the Ozah-Umuolo and reaffirmed Chief Omu as the lawful occupant of the title.

The resolution also advised members of Umuolo Village not to accord Odeigah recognition in the capacity of Ozah-Umuolo.

The community expressed concern that the controversy could degenerate into a breakdown of law and order during the forthcoming Ine Festival if Odeigah attempts to perform the functions of the traditional office.

It warned that the village leadership might be unable to restrain aggrieved youths from reacting to what it described as continued provocations.

To avert any security breach, the community forwarded copies of its resolution to the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Chairman of Aniocha North Local Council, the Divisional Police Officer at Issele-Uku, the Secretary of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and its legal counsel.

In a separate letter dated July 15, 2026, addressed to the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday John Onyeme, the Diokpa (traditional head) of Umuolo Village, Stephen O. Ugezene, urged the state government to take note of the community’s position.

He alleged that the installation of Odeigah disregarded the pending appeal and the Motion on Notice for a prohibitive injunction, which had already been served on all parties before the installation took place.

The community said its intervention was aimed at preventing a breach of the peace during the forthcoming Ine Festival, stressing that it remains law-abiding and will continue to pursue its claims through the courts and other lawful administrative channels. (The Guardian)

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