Delta: High Court declares Egrangbene autonomous community

The Delta State High Court sitting in the Bomadi Judicial Division has declared Egrangbene in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State as an autonomous community, distinct and separate from the Oporomor Clan/Kingdom.

The judgment was delivered by Hon. Justice S.O. Adolor on July 22 in Suit No: HCB/16/202, as reported by DAILY POST.

The judgment included the following declaration: “Following the case, the claimants have succeeded in part. I hereby declare that Egrangbene Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State is an autonomous community, distinct and separate from all other communities in Burutu Local Government Area, including Oporomor Clan/Kingdom.”

The court also noted that “Reliefs two and three of the claimants are refused, as they have not been proved. Reliefs two and three are therefore struck out.”

As a result of this judgment, the Egrangbene Federated Communities, which include Egrangbene, Abadiama, Ekumugbene, Ekogbene, Ekolegbene, and Ebeberegbene, are set to establish their own Pere (King) and Kingdom, represented by Henry Ambakaderemo Okrikpa.

High Chief Etare Lucky Yoweibo, Mr. Globemi Allele, Chief Oboye Omonibeke, Mr. Christopher, Mr. Daniel Egberonamene, and Mr. Kofi Kobuyou initiated the case on behalf of the Egrangbene Federated Communities. They were represented in court by lawyers Chinyere C. Ndoala Esq (Mrs.) and Mr. Owen Nanakumoh Esq. The suit was filed on May 23, 2022, with a writ of summons signed by Prof. Osaretin G. Izevbuwa.

The claimants sought the following from the court:

A declaration that Egrangbene Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State is an autonomous community, distinct and separate from all other communities in the area, including Oporomor Clan/Kingdom.

A declaration that Egrangbene Federated Community, as an autonomous community with its own traditions and customs, is entitled to its own king/traditional ruler.

An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from initiating or continuing the process for the nomination, election, and installation of a new king for Oporomor Kingdom, including the people of Egrangbene Community.

The defendants, including Hon. Felix Okpora, J.O. Seiba, Benjamin Oroso (for Ojobo Community), Otiki Bekekeme, Akeme Afido, Appolos Oroso (for Bubu-Ojobo Community), Felix Gbadiakumor, Francis Mounzimor, Opena Esamasuode (for Akorugbene Community), Yeipegha Onuama, Biri Ebi, and Samuel Tamaraumienyefa (for Ndoro Community), contested the claimants’ case through their counsels, Chief Benjamin Fankoro Yeigagha Esq and Anthony Riasavwe Esq.

The court resolved the matter in favor of the claimants. Hon. Justice Adolor stated, “I agree that the claimants are entitled to have their own king and kingdom, distinct from Oporomor Clan, and I grant relief one. However, I am cautious not to liken Oporomor Clan to a state within Nigeria, but rather acknowledge Egrangbene, Abadiama, Ekumugbene, Ekogbene, Ekolegbene, and Ebeberegbene as communities with common customs and traditions.”

The judgment has led to jubilation among the Egrangbene Federated Communities, who view the decision as a significant victory. They expressed their satisfaction, stating, “The court has proven that it is indeed the last hope of the common man.”