Oyowoli Vs Delta Governor, 24 others: Court to rule on whether or not to hear preliminary objection for extension of time

Delta State High Court 2, Asaba Presided over by Justice G. Brikinns Okolosi, will on Wednesday March 27, 2024, rule on whether it will hear the preliminary objection for extension of time, raised by Counsels to two defendants or hear the substantive suit, in the case instituted by Prince Oyowoli Emiko against Prince Utienyioritsetsola Emiko, Delta State Governor and 23 others.

Fresh Angle International, understands that this was the crux of the proceedings of the court yesterday, Monday February 5.

Prince Oyowoli Emiko, had dragged Prince Utienyioritsetsola Emiko, Pa. Akoma Dudun (The Olare-Ebi of Ginuwa 1 Ruling House, Warri Kingdom) Chief Ayirimi Emami (the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom/member of the Olu Advisory Council) Prince Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh (The Olori-Ebi of Ginuwa 1 Ruling House, Warri Kingdom) The Governor of Delta State, The Attorney General of Delta State and Chief Johnson Atseleghe (the Iyatsere of Warri/member of the Olu Advisory Council) and 18 others to the court in Asaba as defendants, praying the court to declare him as the rightful heir to the throne of Warri Kingdom, following the transition of the then Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli.

Chief Ayirimi Emami, addressing the media shortly after the court proceeding. On his immediate left is, Mr. Alex Eyengho

It was gathered that Counsels to Pa. Akoma Dudun and Chief Ayirimi Emami, Chief Victor Otomiewo and Chief Emmanuel Uti, Esq. respectively as well as Counsel to the Plaintiff, Prince Oyowoli Emiko, allegedly opposed the application, challenging the jurisdiction of court to entertain the matter and seeking for preliminary objection for extension of time.

On the last adjourned date, the court purportedly made an order, setting down the preliminary objection for hearing and subsequently gave defense Counsels seeking the preliminary objection, two weeks to file in the objection.

Chief Emmanuel Uti, Esq, Counsel to Chief Ayirimi Emami, allegedly opposed the application purportedly brought by Barr. Orhiaki and Chief Robinson Ariyo, on the ground that a new law that is called Administration of Civil Justice Law of Delta State 2022, provides that if a preliminary objection is to be filed, it should be done within 30days upon being served with the statement of claim.

Chief Emmanuel Uti Esq, addressing newsmen. On his right is Barr. Clem Omotoye

Chief Robinson Ariyo Esq, allegedly argued that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the matter, which according to him has been discontinued by the claimant.

Chief Robinson Ariyo Esq, briefing the press at the court premises

According to Chief Emmanuel Uti, Esq, since the preliminary objection wasn’t filed, within the aforesaid time, the court can as well hear the matter on merit and decide at the end of the day, that both the preliminary objection and the substantive matter should be heard on merit.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the court proceedings, Chief Ayirimi Emami likened his role in the case as that of INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) which according to him, is to supervise the emergence and crowning of king in Warri Kingdom.

When asked about the anti-bullying campaign by some persons who wore branded T-shirts to the court premises yesterday, Chief Emami, explained that their action was occasioned by happenings in Warri kingdom, especially because he (Chief Ayirimi Emami) stands for truth and fairness as it relates to the succession controversy in Warri Kingdom.

Our Principal Correspondent, reports that spokesperson of the Ologbotsere Descendants Worldwide, Mr. Alex Eyengho and other supporters of Chief Emami, were in the court premises to show solidarity to Chief Emami.

Hon. Tuoyo Ebigbeyi, addressing the media on behalf of some supporters of Chief Ayirimi Emami

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