Awaka traditional stool dispute: I believe in rule of law says Emezi
By Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Worried by recent in flocks of alleged desperate persons aspiring to be enthroned as the traditional ruler of Awaka ancient Kingdom in Owerri North Council Area of Imo State, especially from the family of late Chief Akujuobi David Osuagwu, Chief Charles Emezi a frontline claimant to the sacred throne says he’s a firm believer in rule of law.
Emezi said this against the backdrop of one of the recent aspirants to the royal stool mounting undue pressure compelling the 15 Man Committee appointed by the people to oversee the affairs of the community since the demise of Chief Akujuobi David Osuagwu and pending the outcome of Supreme Court judgement on the matter incidented since 2013.
It’s paramount to note that the community’s constituted 15 man Committee has been peacefully holding forth the administration of the community, however in the matter of Awaka ancient Kingdom Ezeship stool, the Committee resolved to stand by whatever is the decision of the Court concerning the matter, their concern is spurred by fears of being accused or subjected to contempt of Court.
To demonstrate his unflinching commitments to rule of law, Chief Charles Emezi on the 6th of January, 2026 advised his lawyer, Chief Eze Duruiheoma, SAN & Co, (Ugonna Chambers), Solicitors and Advocates of the Supreme Court of Nigeria to write to the committee reminding them of the need for them to be mindful of committing contempt of Court, since the Ezeship matter is still a matter of litigation in Supreme Court, Abuja.
The letter which was written as dated, with caption RE: INTERFERENCE IN A MATTER PENDING BEFORE THE SUPREME
COURT OF NIGERIA and endorsed by N.C. AMAECHI, ESQ.
According to the letter certified in the Court, “we are Solicitors to the people of Ndegbelu Village Awaka, on whose behalf and instruction we write this letter.
“Our attention has been drawn to the activities of your Committee in respect of the Ezeship tussle in Awaka Autonomous Community involving Our Clients.
“We write to formally notify you, that the said Ezeship dispute is already the subject of litigation and is presently pending before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, being the apex Court of the land.
“By reason of the matter being before the Supreme Court in SUIT NO: SC/325/2013 CHIEF AKUJOBI DAVID OSUAGWU VS. CHIEF CHARLES EMEZI & 3ORS, it is clearly sub judice, and no individual, group, Committee, traditional institution, or community body has the power, competence, or jurisdiction to intervene, deliberate upon, mediate, or take any step whatsoever in respect of the said Ezeship tussle.
“We wish to emphasize that any attempt to meddle in, discuss, invite parties over, or take steps concerning an Ezeship matter pending before the Supreme Court constitutes gross interference with the administration of justice and may amount to contempt of Court.
“Take further notice that Our Clients, the people of Ndegbelu Village Awaka, neither initiated nor consented to the involvement of your Committee in this matter and does not submit to any extra-judicial or Community process while the case remains pending before the Supreme Court.
“In the circumstance, we hereby formally caution and demand that your committee ceases forthwith from any further action, meeting, invitation, or intervention relating to the said Ezeship tussle, pending the final determination of the case by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.Kindly be guided accordingly” the letter stated.
Inview of the above letter and circumstances on the ground, Mr. Raphael Onwana, a senior citizen and a chieftain of the community in an interaction with news men in Owerri said that “It’s obviously embarrassing and surprising that few days ago, a section of Osuagwu’s family brought out a person again making it 3 persons from the same family declaring interest to mount the coveted sacred traditional stool, instituted by our forefathers”.
Onwana pointed out that this 3rd aspirant is merely trying to compel members of the committee to make arrangements and present him to the Executive Chairman of Owerri North LGA as an interested aspirant to the ancient throne.
He informed that, “it’s an obvious truth, that in the eyes of the law, Chief Charles Emezi is the traditional ruler of the embattled autonomous community having in the recent past, won the disputed subject matter or matters in High and Appeal Courts”.
Swiftly, Chief Charles Emezi said, “I believe in the judiciary and rule of law. As an educated man with verse leadership experiences, honestly, it will amount to subjudice and prejudicial, talking of a matter in court of competent jurisdiction.
“I cannot do that, moreso when the matter is slated for judgement delivery on 27th of January, 2026 at Supreme Court, Abuja. However, It’s pertinent to remind them that so far the subject matter is still in Court, whatever they are doing concerning the matter is illegal, null and void, hence ignorance of the law is never an excuse for an aberration” he advised.
