The Supreme Court of Nigeria has once again ruled in favour of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family of Ogwashi-Uku, bringing an end to another legal challenge filed by the rival Umu Dieyi Family over the kingship of the community.
In a judgment delivered on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, the apex court dismissed the application brought by Chief Francis Njokanma, Felix Izediunor, Wilson Izediunor, and others representing the Umu Dieyi Family in Suit No. SC/CV/1036/2022. The respondents in the matter were Prince Thomas Mowete and others representing the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family.
This marks the second time the Supreme Court has thrown out an appeal by the Umu Dieyi Family concerning the same royal dispute. The first decision, delivered in 2022, upheld the legitimacy of the Umu Obi Obahai lineage to the Ogwashi-Uku throne. Despite that clear verdict, the Umu Dieyi Family filed another appeal in August 2022, which has now also been struck out in its entirety.
Legal analysts have described the repeated litigation as an effort to sow confusion in the community and create a false impression that the case remains unresolved.
Following the court’s latest decision, Prince Onyema Okonjo, speaking on behalf of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family, thanked the judiciary for its steadfastness and called for peace in the kingdom.
“This judgment reaffirms what has always been evident under the law. There is no pending appeal. We urge the Umu Dieyi family to accept the court’s ruling and stop any actions that might disturb the peace and unity of Ogwashi-Uku. We will not tolerate further attempts at disruption, disobedience to court orders, or encroachment around the Royal Palace,” he said.
The royal family also expressed gratitude to their lead counsel, Chief Arthur Obi Okafor, SAN, for his legal guidance and dedication throughout the protracted legal battle.
Observers believe the ruling will restore calm and reinforce the authority of traditional structures in Ogwashi-Uku, where leadership disputes have long been a source of division.
Legal experts have also cautioned that any further attempts to revisit the matter in court could be regarded as an abuse of judicial process, given the Supreme Court’s repeated affirmations.
