Delta Community Celebrates Autonomy After Court Ruling
The community of Egrangbene in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State is celebrating a landmark judicial declaration granting them autonomy to install their own king. The Delta State High Court in the Bomadi Judicial Division delivered the verdict, marking Egrangbene as “an autonomous community distinct and separate from the Oporomor clan/kingdom.”
The judgment, delivered by Hon. Justice S. O. Adolor on July 22, 2024, in Suit No: HCB/16/202, was met with jubilation among the community’s residents. Members gathered at the community’s town hall to celebrate the decision, which allows them to elect their own traditional ruler.
Justice Adolor affirmed in his ruling, “I am in agreement that the claimants are entitled to have their king and in their kingdom distinct from Oporomor clan.”
The people of Egrangbene federated communities, including Egrangbene, Abadiama, Ekumugbene, Ekogbene, Ekolegbene, and Ebeberegbene, have hailed the court’s decision as a “sweet victory.” Community leaders such as High Chief Etare Lucky Yoweibo, Mr. Globemi Allele, and Mr. Kofi Kobuyou expressed their satisfaction, stating, “The court has proven that indeed, it’s the last hope of the common man.”
In response to the court’s ruling, the community announced their readiness to crown Henry Ambakaderemo Okrikpa as their new Pere (king). In a statement issued by the community leaders, they called on the state government to expedite the process of installing their monarch: “The elders, leaders, men, women, and youth of Egrangbene federated communities are hereby calling on His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to quickly look into our prayers as granted by the Delta State High Court sitting in Bomadi, by giving a directive to the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs to gazette our designated monarch in the person of Pere, Henry Ambakaderemo Okirikpa, to be installed as elected king of Egrangbene federated communities in no distant time.”
The legal journey to autonomy was initiated by community leaders including High Chief Etare Lucky Yoweibo, Mr. Globemi Allele, Chief Oboye Omonibeke, Mr. Christopher, Mr. Daniel Egberonamene, and Mr. Kofi Kobuyou, who, through their lawyers Chinyere C. Ndoala Esq. (Mrs.) and Mr. Owen Nanakumoh Esq., approached the High Court on behalf of the Egrangbene federated communities.
Their legal action sought a declaration of Egrangbene as an autonomous community, distinct from other communities in Burutu Local Government Area, particularly the Oporomor clan/kingdom. The claimants also requested a declaration affirming their right to a traditional ruler who could act as a custodian of their distinct customs and traditions.
The defendants, representing various neighboring communities, opposed the claimants’ suit. However, Justice Adolor’s judgment confirmed the autonomy of Egrangbene and their right to self-determination.
The community’s leaders are now eager to see the state government act on the court’s decision and facilitate the installation of their chosen king. This ruling is seen as a victory for local self-governance and the preservation of cultural identity within the Egrangbene community.
