Akwa Ibom High Court, Uyo has barred Paramount Rulers in Akwa Ibom from interfering in the selection of Family Heads in the state.
In its judgement on Thursday, the Court gave the order in a case between Chief Ezekiel Effiong Japhet and three members of Nung Atum Family of Nung Ukot Itam in Itu Local Government Area, as claimants and Chief Bassey Udo Edem and Edidem Edet Akpan Inyang, the Paramount Ruler of Itu Local Government Area, as defendants.
In a one-hour judgement, the Court presided over by Justice Ntong Ntong perpetually restrained the Paramount Ruler of Itu, Edidem Edet Akpan Inyang from interfering and imposing any person as Family Head of Nung Atum Family.
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“It is trite that no court will be friendly with illegality. The second defendant’s (the Paramount Ruler) interference with the family meeting and family decision of Nung Atum family is illegal and uncalled for. It is unwholesome and opprobrious.
‘‘And because his action can create an ugly precedent for others in Akwa Ibom State in particular and Nigeria in general, this Court will bluntly refuse to glorify it. This Court will resist any attempt to be dragged into accentuating any form of illegality,” Justice Ntong held.
