OSHIMILI NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT VINDICATED AS HIGH COURT DISMISSES THREE SUITS AGAINST EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
The Oshimili North Local Government Council wishes to formally inform the good people of Oshimili North, stakeholders, political leaders, and the general public that the High Court of Delta State sitting in Akwukwu-Igbo Judicial Division, on Thursday, 14th May 2026, delivered judgments in three separate suits instituted against the Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, members of the Legislative Arm of Council, and other parties.
The suits, which arose from the internal leadership dispute that occurred within the Oshimili North Legislative House in December 2025, bordered principally on allegations of infringement of fundamental human rights, unlawful detention, assault, and issues relating to the leadership structure of the Legislative House.
It would be recalled that following developments within the Legislative Arm at the time, Hon. Chris Nwangbor ceased to function as Leader of the House, while Hon. Olowo Henry subsequently emerged in the leadership structure of the Council. Dissatisfied with the outcome of the legislative process and subsequent political developments, Hon. Geoffrey Mordi and other applicants approached the Court with multiple actions against the Executive Chairman, the Council, and other parties, alleging interference, victimization, and violations of their constitutional rights.
After careful consideration of the matters, the Honourable Court, presided over by Hon. Justice K. O. Okpu, dismissed all the applications and upheld the legal positions advanced by the Respondents.
SUMMARY OF THE COURT’S DECISIONS
- SUIT NO: AKU/M/1/2026
Hon. Mordi Jeffery v. Hon. Innocent Esewezie & 6 Others
In its judgment, the Court dismissed the fundamental rights enforcement application filed by Hon. Mordi Jeffery for lack of merit.
The Court held that the Applicant failed to provide sufficient and credible evidence to establish that his constitutional rights were violated. Specifically, the Court observed that there was no clear evidence regarding the alleged detention, including the time, place, or surrounding circumstances.
His Lordship further held that while the Police possess statutory powers of arrest and detention, such powers must operate within constitutional boundaries. However, the Applicant failed to prove that any constitutional breach occurred in the instant case.
The Court also ruled that several reliefs sought by the Applicant were legally inappropriate under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules.
Consequently, all the reliefs sought were refused, and the suit was dismissed in its entirety.
- SUIT NO: AKU/M/2/2026
Hon. Malechi Henry Obiechie & Anor v. Hon. Innocent Esewezie & 6 Others
In a similar judgment, the Court dismissed the application filed by Hon. Malechi Henry Obiechie and another applicant.
The Court again held that the Applicants failed to discharge the burden of proof required in a fundamental rights action. According to the Court, there was a complete absence of material evidence showing the exact nature and circumstances of the alleged rights violations.
The Court reiterated that although law enforcement agencies possess powers under the law, allegations of abuse must be supported by credible evidence before the Court can grant reliefs.
The Court additionally ruled that some of the reliefs sought were incompatible with the legal framework governing fundamental rights enforcement proceedings.
The application was accordingly dismissed for lacking merit.
- SUIT NO: AKU/5/2026
Hon. Jeffery Mordi & 5 Others v. Hon. Innocent Esewezie & 13 Others
In this matter, the Court considered issues relating to the leadership and proceedings of the Oshimili North Legislative House.
After reviewing the affidavit evidence and legal arguments presented by counsel, the Court upheld the arguments of the Respondents and ruled that the action was improperly commenced through the Originating Summons procedure.
The Court held that the matter involved substantial disputes of facts and hostile claims which could not be resolved merely through affidavit evidence. His Lordship emphasized that such contentious matters require oral evidence and a full trial process. Consequently, the Court declared the action incompetent as constituted and struck out the suit.
The Oshimili North Local Government views these judgments as a clear vindication of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, the Legislative Council, and all parties who have consistently maintained their innocence and respect for due process throughout these proceedings.
For several months, misleading narratives, accusations, and distorted commentaries concerning these matters have circulated widely across social media and political spaces. Despite repeated provocations and attempts to malign the image of the Council and its leadership, the Executive Chairman and the Legislative Arm deliberately refrained from joining issues in the media, choosing instead to allow the judicial process to run its full course.
The judgments delivered by the Court have now reaffirmed the position that allegations, no matter how loudly circulated, must still be proven with credible evidence before a competent Court of law.
The Council therefore calls on political actors, supporters, and members of the public to desist from further spreading divisive narratives capable of heating up the polity or undermining democratic institutions within Oshimili North.
The Executive Chairman remains committed to peaceful governance, institutional stability, respect for the rule of law, and the continued delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Oshimili North Local Government Area.
The Local Government also appreciates the judiciary for its courage, professionalism, and commitment to justice and due process.
Signed:
Augustine Eloka Ajufo,
Secretary to Oshimili North Local Government