By Douglas Princemola
The protracted battle over the traditional rulership of Obibi-Uratta Autonomous Community, located in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, has been definitively resolved by a recent ruling of the Federal High Court. This ruling has reaffirmed Eze Prof. Amaobi Uwaleke as the legitimate Traditional Ruler of the Obibi-Uratta community, solidifying his position after years of contention.
For several years, Obibi-Uratta had been embroiled in a leadership dispute, with two individuals—Eze Sir Boniface Ariri and Eze Prof. Amaobi Uwaleke—both laying claim to the royal stool. This division caused significant tension within the community, prompting legal action initiated by members of Ndi-Oha-Obibi-Uratta, the highest traditional authority overseeing the community’s cultural affairs.
The legal battle centered on the claim that Eze Prof. Amaobi Uwaleke had been the rightful choice for the throne, having been duly appointed and anointed by traditional leaders, while Eze Sir Boniface Ariri’s ascension was seen as illegitimate. Ndi-Oha-Obibi-Uratta challenged Ariri’s claim, arguing that his coronation did not follow the proper traditional protocols and that he was never duly recognized by the appropriate authorities.
After careful deliberation, the Federal High Court in Owerri, under suit no. HOW/131/2022, delivered a decisive judgment in favor of Eze Prof. Amaobi Uwaleke. The court confirmed him as the lawful Traditional Ruler of Obibi-Uratta Autonomous Community, while invalidating the claim of Eze Sir Boniface Ariri, effectively declaring his hold on the royal stool null and void.
In response to the court’s ruling, Eze Prof. Uwaleke expressed his heartfelt gratitude to God and his people for their unwavering support throughout the legal process. He emphasized that the court’s decision had restored the rightful order within the community, affirming that he was the true custodian of the royal title.
Speaking about his rival, Eze Uwaleke remarked, “Mr. Boniface Ariri was never properly made a Traditional Ruler. He merely adopted the title and began to present himself as an Eze without any formal recognition from the traditional authorities.” He further explained that six traditional rulers had been chosen and crowned by the leadership of Ndi-Oha-Uratta, and Ariri was not among them.
Eze Uwaleke went on to detail the official nature of his appointment, stating, “I was selected, crowned, and recognized by the Local Government Council, the Imo Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and even the Department of Security Services (DSS). Additionally, the Governor of Imo State provided me with a Certificate of Recognition and a Staff of Office, alongside other recognized traditional rulers in the state. The court has now reaffirmed this legitimacy.”
As the dust settles on this long-standing dispute, Eze Uwaleke used the opportunity to call for unity and reconciliation within the Obibi-Uratta community. He urged all residents to support his leadership as he continues to focus on fostering peace and driving development within the community. His leadership, he noted, will be aligned with the Imo State government’s vision of shared prosperity.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Sir Boniface Ariri has missed the opportunity to appeal the court’s ruling due to a time lapse, effectively bringing an end to the royal tussle. With no further legal recourse, it appears that the matter has been conclusively settled in favor of Eze Prof. Amaobi Uwaleke, marking the conclusion of the leadership crisis in Obibi-Uratta.
