Deposed Anambra monarch sues Soludo, demands N50m damages

In a legal dispute over the traditional rulership of Umuona community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra state, Igwe Humphrey Ejesieme has initiated legal action against Governor Chukwuma Soludo and four others, seeking N50 million in punitive and aggravated damages.

Igwe Ejesieme alleges that the 2nd to 5th defendants misled Governor Soludo into approving the withdrawal of his certificate of recognition as the traditional ruler of Umuona. In the statement of claim filed by his legal counsel, Chief Ikenna Egbuna SAN, Igwe Ejesieme also seeks a declaration that the selection of the 5th defendant, Ezeofor, as the Igwe of Umuona is null and void.

He further demands an order compelling Governor Soludo to restore his Certificate of Recognition and an injunction restraining the Governor from granting a certificate of recognition to Ezeofor. Igwe Ejesieme argues that his alleged removal did not follow due process and is therefore null and void.

Despite the absence of a fixed date for the hearing of the civil suit, the 5th defendant, Ezeofor, currently holding the chieftaincy certificate as the incumbent traditional ruler of Umuona, has joined forces with the factional President-General of UPU to file an application for the enforcement of their fundamental human rights.

Their fundamental human rights suit aims to restrain law enforcement agencies from further threats or coercion against the applicants and demands compensation of N50 million for the violation of their fundamental rights.

However, the police have brought charges against Igwe Ejesieme before an Aguata Magistrate court for portraying himself as the Igwe of Umuona and performing traditional ceremonies despite the recognition of Ezeofor as the traditional ruler.

In response, Igwe Ejesieme pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail pending further court proceedings. This legal battle underscores the complexity of the dispute over traditional rulership in Umuona and highlights the challenges in resolving such conflicts within the legal framework.