From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The protrctrated royal tussle of Obiofia community in Nnewichi-Nnewi came to an end on Thursday as an Anambra State High Court determined the rightful occupant of the throne.
The judgment threw Akabo Obiofia Nnewi-Ichi Nnewi, into jubilation as Chief Onyeka Onyejuluwa Ebubechukwu was pronounced the authentic Obi of Obiofia by the court.
High Court 3 Judicial Division sitting at Nnewi Council Area of Anambra State, presided over by His Lordship, Hon. Justice D .C .Maduechesi.
The judgement delivered on Thursday is in respect of the Suit no: HN/231/2020 between Chief Chukwunonye Onyejuluwa V Obi Onyeka Onyejuluwa.
In his judgement, His Lordship, Hon. Justice D. C. Maduechesi while declaring Obi Onyeka Onyejuluwa as the authentic Obi said that there is so much contradictory testimony of PW2 and PW3 of the plaintiff.
He also noted that there are so many loopholes in the PW 1 testimony, which he said lacked strength to swing judgement in favor of the plaintiff.
His Lordship, Hon Justice D.C Maduechesi in his verdict declared Chief Onyeka Onyejuluwa Ebubechukwu as the authentic Obi Obiofia.
The plaintiff was also fined a sum of Five million Naira.
The victorious Obi of Obiofia Nnewi-Ichi, Chief Onyeka Onyejuluwa Ebubechukwu in an interactive session with journalists after the judgment was delivered in his favour said that the victory is for people of Akabo and Obiofia in general.
Obi Obiofia applauded his people for the trust they repose in him as well as believing in him, noting that his people are so supportive of him while the legal tussle lasted.
He prayed that God’s blessing will continually be upon them and their families for their resoluteness for truth and justice.
The Chairman of Akabo Obiofia Nnewi-Ichi Development Union, Hon. Afam Agina in his own comment said that the judgment was epoch making and huge historical event noting that the generations yet unborn would hear of it
“It’s a new dawn for people of Akabo and Obiofia for standing firm to support their Obi without double mind,” he said .
Hon Agina also thanked the people of Akabo Obiofia Nnewi-Ichi for their commitment to Obi Onyeka Onyejuluwa Ebubechukwu who he said will be on the throne untill he becomes aged and go to meet his ancestors after which his son will take over from him,” he said.
He also extended is prayers to Judge for the wisdom and truth in handing the case.
The people of Akabo Obiofia who have always been trooping out in their good numbers to witness the proceedings were all excited over the victory.