Tina Amanda
A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has declared Chief Barrister Uche Elikwu as the duly installed and coronated King to occupy the Eze Epara Rebisi stool, in a suit instituted by Chief Emeka Anyabelem and two others, against Elder Emmanuel Minakwuru Woluchem, Chief Barrister Uche Elikwu and eleven others.
The Claimant had on 16 August, 2013, approached Rivers State High Court in suit number PHC/1818/2013, seeking the Court to declare the chieftaincy/traditional rulership stool known as Eze Epara Rebisi previously occupied by his Majesty Eze E.N Woluchem as the monarchy that rules over the entire people of all the villages, towns and communities which constitute Rebisi (Diobu) kingdom in Ikwerre Ethnic nationality.
The 1st, 2nd and 10th Defendants in the case also filed an application, counter-claiming the throne of the Eze Epara Rebisi stool.
Justice Monima Danagogo in his Judgement delivery ruled that the 10th Defendant in the case, Chief Barrister Uche Elikwu is the rightful person that was properly selected, nominated, presented and coronated in line with the Rebisi customs and traditions.
The Court ordered the 9th Defendant Rivers State government to issue a certificate of recognition and Staff of office to Chief Barrister Uche Elikwu and retrieve the kingship recognition given to 1st and 2nd Defendant.
Justice Danagogo ordered the 1st and 2nd Defendants to further stop parading themselves as Eze Epara Rebisi, also an order restraining them from interfering in the stool.
The Court, however, affirmed that only descendants of Oro-Olozu community can be installed as king of Rebisi and only Owhor holders can install a king.
Recall that the stool has since 2013 been in contention over the rightful person to be installed and coronated as the Eze Epara Rebisi.
