A High Court sitting in Onicha-Ugbo has issued a decisive restraining order, allegedly halting all claims to the Obi of Issele-Azagba title by Ikechukwu Christopher Adigwe Ugbome and others, pending the determination of a substantive suit challenging their legitimacy.
The court, presided over by Honourable Justice E.G. Timi, allegedly delivered the ruling on June 10, 2025, granting an order of interlocutory injunction that bars the defendants including Ugbome, his agents, and privies from parading themselves or taking any further steps relating to the contentious traditional title in the Issele-Azagba community.
According to the alleged ruling, the defendants must refrain from asserting authority over the Obi title until the final resolution of Suit No. HCI/36/2023, filed by Timothy Tobechukwu Jidouwa Obi-Ijeh and four others against Ugbome and six others.
In response to the court’s decision, the Umu-Ojeagu Royal Family issued a strongly worded public notice, signed by Diokpa David Olih, cautioning the public against engaging with Ikechukwu Ugbome on any matter concerning the Issele-Azagba kingship.
Titled “Caveat Emptor: To Whom It May Concern,” the notice emphasized that any interaction with Ugbome concerning the throne would be at the individual’s own risk and in contempt of the ongoing legal process.
“The public is hereby put on notice regarding the position of the court and warned to desist from dealing with the restrained parties on issues relating to the Obi of Issele-Azagba,” the statement read in part.
The restraining order throws a spotlight on the deepening traditional leadership tussle in the community, which has triggered concern among stakeholders over the potential for unrest if the matter is not resolved peacefully and lawfully.
The case, which underscores a long-standing dispute over succession within the royal lineage, will continue in court as parties await the final verdict on the substantive claims.
Efforts to reach the defendants or their legal representatives for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
