Aidonogie of South Ibie rejects Edo government’s revocation of appointment

His Royal Highness Umoru Inusa Umoru, the Aidonogie of South Ibie Kingdom, has strongly condemned the recent decision by the Edo State Executive Council to revoke his appointment as traditional ruler, describing the action as “illegal, unconstitutional, and a desecration of the sacred customs” of the South Ibie people.

In a press conference held at the palace, HRH Umoru addressed members of the press and the wider public, denouncing the revocation as not only baseless but also in direct conflict with multiple binding court judgments, including decisions by the Edo State High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court of Nigeria, which had long settled the succession dispute to the Aidonogie stool.

“The decision to revoke my recognition is ill-advised and a direct affront to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to the revered tradition of the South Ibie Kingdom,” HRH Umoru stated.

The monarch traced the genesis of the throne’s legal disputes to a long-standing contention between the Danesi and Oghiator branches of the ruling house.

He referenced Suit Nos. B/226/1998 and B/227/1998, in which the Edo State High Court, under Justice Sardoh, ruled that Mr. Aliyu Kelvin Danesi was unqualified for the throne, having failed to meet the criteria set out in the Declaration of Customary Law Regulating Succession to the Aidonogie Title (B.S.L.N. 136 of 1979).

Danesi later appealed to the Supreme Court but withdrew the case mid-way. However, the apex court, recognizing the public interest and legal precedent, dismissed the appeal with costs, thereby affirming the decision of the lower courts.

Following the courts’ validation of the Oghiator branch’s right to present a candidate, HRH Umoru—the eldest surviving son of the last Aidonogie from the Oghiator branch—was nominated, presented, and formally recognized by the Edo State Government, which issued his certificate of recognition and staff of office.

“This appointment followed due process and was anchored on final judicial pronouncements and verified by the Traditional Council,” the monarch stated.

HRH Umoru also accused Danesi of attempting to “sneak back to the throne through legislative manipulation.”

He cited a 2006 amendment to the chieftaincy declaration sponsored by Danesi at the Edo State House of Assembly, designed to eliminate the requirement that a candidate be the son of a past Aidonogie.

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However, in a landmark ruling in 2018 (Suit No. B/105/2007), Justice Ehigiamusoe ruled that the 2006 law did not apply retroactively to Danesi’s case and reaffirmed the Court of Appeal’s decision as the final authority.

In another suit, HAU/68/2000, Justice Ikponmwen chastised Danesi for contempt of court, stating that he had no right to bear the title of Aidonogie and struck out the suit due to his misleading claims.

“It is most alarming that the claimant [Danesi] got this far in court despite overwhelming judicial rejection,” Justice Ikponmwen wrote.

The traditional ruler warned that the Executive Council lacks the constitutional authority to reverse or override binding judicial decisions.

He called the revocation “a clear abuse of executive power” and an “insult to both the judiciary and the sacred traditions of South Ibie.”

He further emphasized that the same Edo State Government which recognized and defended his appointment in court has now contradicted its own legal position without justification.

“The Executive Council has acted outside its constitutional powers. They have attempted to usurp the judiciary and insult the traditions of our people,” HRH Umoru said.

HRH Umoru called on the Governor of Edo State to reverse the revocation in the interest of justice, legality, and peace, emphasizing that his loyalty remains with the people and the state.

“I commend the Governor for his developmental strides, but urge him to immediately reverse this unconstitutional action. It is not too late to do the right thing,” he concluded.

The monarch reiterated that he remains the validly appointed Aidonogie of South Ibie and that any attempt to unseat him without due process and in defiance of judicial authority is doomed to fail.

He pledged to defend the throne lawfully while maintaining peace and respect for governance structures.