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Court Sacks Occupant Of Nyenwe Ali Ubima Stool
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has nullified the certificate of recognition given to Eze Iheanyi Williams by the state government as the Nyenwe Ali of Ubima community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state, describing the said recognition and installation as illegal and non-existent.
The monarch, until the court’s decision, was the paramount ruler of Ubima community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The court also held that the state government’s action to recognise the sacked paramount ruler of Ubima community, during the pendency of the matter in the court, amounted to “executive rascality and abuse of power”, saying that no court would allow such disobedience and disrespect to its orders to thrive.
The trial judge, Justice Chigozie Igwe of the state High Court 17, in his judgment delivered, last Wednesday in Port Harcourt, in a matter bordering on the rightful occupant to the Nyenwe Ali Ubima community chieftaincy stool brought by Eze Michael Dikewoha of Ubima.
The trial judge held that the action of the state government was an affront on the sanctity and the independence of the Judiciary, adding that the law frowns at any action that would jeopardise any matter before the court.
He said the court’s order sacking the former Ubima monarch was to serve as a deterrent to others, noting that Prince Iheanyi Williams shot himself in the leg by his accepting to align himself with the state government’s action when he was aware of the pendency of the suit before the court for the last 10 years.
“He is barred from the benefits of this judgement, the state government’s action by recognising Prince Iheanyi Williams during the pendency of this matter is null and void, and has no effect on the stool in contest”, he stated.
The claimant, Eze Michael Dikewoha, who was laying claim as the rightful occupant to the Ubima chieftaincy stool, had prayed the court, among other things, to declare him as the only qualified person for the stool since he was the oldest serving village head in Ubima in accordance with the custom and native laws of the people as well as urged the court to declare the action of the state government a nullity for issuing a certificate of office and recognition to Prince Iheanyi Williams, even when the state government was a party in the matter.
Justice Chigozie Igwe, however, dismissed the claims of the claimant, Eze Michael Dikewoha, and the counter claims of Eze Christopher Okah, 2nd defendant in the matter, as well as the third set of defendants, and the Omuobunwo family who are fourth to seventh defendants in the suit for inconsistency and lack of coherence in the various evidence of fact in their claims.
The third and set of the fourth to seventh defendants sought for court declaration that they were the bona fide occupants of the disputed Ubima Nyenwe Ali chieftaincy stool.
The trial judge while dismissing the prayers of both the claimants and that of the third and fourth defendants, averred that they did not prove their case beyond reasonable doubt, adding that they failed to justify their claims through the evidence and facts before the court.
Justice Igwe, therefore, ordered the three families of Omuahiaume, Omuahua, and Omuobunwo, who are the original descendants of Ubi, the founder of Ubima community to bury their selfish interests, and go home and nominate a suitable candidate for recognition and subsequent installation as the new Nyenwe Ali of Ubima.
Earlier in an interview with newsmen after the judgment, the counsel who represented the Omuobunwo family, who were fourth to seventh defendants in the matter, Winston Churchill Madume, said he would study the judgment, and inform his clients on the next line of action.
Other defendants in the suit include, Rivers State Government through the Attorney General as first defendant, and Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, as second defendant.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo