Appeal Court Upholds Ruling, Dismisses Ijaw Claims to Warri South

The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal filed by the Ama-Okosu of Ogbe-Ijoh, His Royal Majesty Monbene III, challenging earlier rulings on territorial and financial claims over Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. The appellate court, sitting via Zoom, delivered its unanimous judgment on December 17, 2025, affirming the decision of the lower court in Appeal No. CA/AS/154/2024.

The case arose from claims by the Ama-Okosu of Ogbe-Ijoh that his traditional authority extended into Warri South Local Government Area and that he was entitled to receive royalties from the local government council. These claims were contested by the Warri Council of Chiefs, which argued that Warri South falls outside the jurisdiction of the Ogbe-Ijoh traditional stool.

At the trial court, counsel to the Warri Council of Chiefs, Chief Robinson Ariyo, successfully urged the court to reject the claims. The court ruled against the Ama-Okosu, prompting him to approach the Court of Appeal in a bid to overturn the judgment.

In its ruling, the Court of Appeal upheld the findings of the lower court in their entirety, resolving all key issues in favour of the Warri Council of Chiefs. The panel found no merit in the appeal and dismissed it accordingly, reinforcing the position that the Ama-Okosu of Ogbe-Ijoh has no jurisdictional authority or entitlement within Warri South Local Government Area.

Legal implications flowing from the judgment indicate that any continued actions or assertions by the Ama-Okosu of Ogbe-Ijoh claiming ownership or authority in Warri South would amount to contempt of court. The court’s ruling makes clear that no entitlement over Warri South Local Government Area exists for the Ama-Okosu of Ogbe-Ijoh.