Edo state high court in Benin city, Wednesday commenced the hearing of a suit filled against the Iyatsere of Warri kingdom, chief Johnson Aseleghe over parading himself as the traditional ruler of Ologbo dukedom and to also restrain him from selling lands that belongs to the community.
The case which came up for hearing under Justice Daniel Okungbowa seeks to restrain the defendant, chief Aseleghe and his agent from carrying out actions that is capable of compromising the peace in Ologbo.
The claimant, the Enogie of Ologbo dukedom, Prince Owen Jason Akenzua’ had filed a motion through his solicitor Chris Uyi Otasowie Esq, is asking the court to order an interlocutory injunction restraining Johnson Aseleghe pending the determination and arrival at a substantial ruling.
According to Otasowie Esq, “What we are asking this honourable court to do my Lord is to put an interlocutory injunction detterring the defendant, so that Ologbo dukedom can start experiencing peace pending when a substantial page is arrived at.
“Because of the distructions of life and properties supported with various exhibits it is very paramount to order chief Aseleghe to stay put and face the traditional activities of the warri kingdom’
‘Since 1995 till date no court has told the defendant that he has no right to be carrying out what he is doing by assuming the role of the traditional ruler of the dukedom, it
The solicitor to Ologbo Enogie avered that the neferious activities of the defendant which is now over bearing if not properly checked could lead to a situation that may not be palatable hence the need for the court to urgently look into the matter as it bothers on the life and properties of the people.
He noted that it will benefit the entire Ologbo and Edo state if the defendant is told to stay clear from any activities that bothers on contractual and indigeneous activities withing the dukedom.
‘my Lord we are tired, Ologbo issue is a recurring decimal. If the defendant is told to stay off Ologbo activities, this will bring a lasting solution just as the order of court remains sacrosanct, look at the court Premises, you can see the indigenes of Ologbo dukedom coming with the Enogie because they know this is were they can get freedom outside God Almighty. This era is no longer the era of conquest he argued.
Meanwhile, Chief Johnson Aseleghe was not represented by anyone nor his counsel in court.
Justice Okungbowa in his submission adjourned the case to September 25th 2020 for ruling.
