Delta Court Dismisses Suit Challenging Olu Of Warri’s Ascension

A Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Prince Oyowoli Emiko challenging the ascension of Ogiame Atuwatse III as the Olu of Warri.

In its ruling on suit number A/119/2023, the court declared the claims statute-barred and dismissed the case in its entirety.

Presiding over the matter, Justice Obriki Okolusi held that the withdrawal of a previous suit (W/104/21) was not intended for a peaceful resolution but rather to create an opportunity for a fresh legal challenge.

The court further noted that the reliefs sought in the current suit were premature, stating that the claimant’s grievances should have been raised within the 21-day period provided under Section 19 of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict.

Additionally, the court ruled that by withdrawing the initial case and filing a new one, the suit had become merely an academic exercise. 

It also pointed out that the letters of recommendation from the Executive Council were issued after the suit was filed, meaning they were not in existence at the time of filing.