By Anne Azuka
The Supreme Court of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, has dismissed yet another appeal filed by the Umu Dieyi family against the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family over the protracted royal succession dispute in the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom of Delta State.
In the judgment delivered on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Suit No. SC/CV/1036/2022, the apex court, presided over by Honourable Justice H.M. Ogunwumiju, struck out the application brought by Chief Francis Njokanma, Felix Izediunor, Wilson Izediunor, and others representing the Umu Dieyi family.
The appeal was filed against Prince Thomas Mowete and others, who represented the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family.
This latest dismissal reinforces an earlier Supreme Court ruling in 2021, which also upheld the claim of the Umu Obi Obahai family and dismissed the initial appeal by the appellants. Despite the 2021 ruling, the Umu Dieyi family filed another appeal in August 2022, which has now been struck out.
Reacting to the judgment, Prince Onyema Okonjo, speaking on behalf of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family, expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court for what he described as a fair and just decision.
“This judgment confirms what the law has long made clear. There is no further appeal pending. We call on the Umu Dieyi family to accept the decision of the courts and desist from actions that threaten the peace and unity of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom,” he said.
He noted that the ruling is expected to further strengthen traditional structures and promote long-term stability in the community, where chieftaincy disputes have often been a source of division and tension.
