The lingering legal battle over the ancient and highly revered EzeNri throne has taken a decisive turn following a judgment by the Federal High Court sitting in Awka.
In a ruling delivered on Suit No. FHC/AWK/15/2025, the court dismissed the case instituted by Chief Godwin Uzoegbo, representing the Akamkpisi People and others, against the Agukwu People, Chief Chukwudi Nwokoye, and Prince Ikenna Onyesoh, the Regent of Nri.
The plaintiffs had approached the federal court seeking to halt the succession process, raising contentions over the customary procedures that led to the selection of Chief Nwokoye as the successor to the ancient stool. However, the presiding judge found no legal basis to sustain the action, effectively striking down the suit and removing all legal barriers to the coronation.
The judgment represents a major shift in the decades-long internal rivalry between the Agukwu and Akamkpisi quarters of Nri Kingdom—a division that has historically complicated the ascension to the stool of the supreme traditional head of the Igbo nation.
Reacting to the verdict, the incoming EzeNri, Chief Chukwudi Nwokoye, hosted his legal team led by Barrister Kevin Akunne. While commending his lawyers for their professionalism, Chief Nwokoye struck a reconciliary tone, declaring that the outcome should not be viewed as a personal victory.
“There is no victor, no vanquished,” Nwokoye stated, urging the people of Nri to embrace peace. “Disagreements are inevitable in human relationships, but sincere dialogue, good-faith negotiations, and mutual respect remain the surest paths to lasting peace.”
He also expressed concern over the financial toll that prolonged communal and family litigations have taken on the kingdom, arguing that resources wasted on court cases should be channeled into community development and welfare projects.
With the legal roadblocks dismantled, the palace is now expected to announce the timeline for the rigorous customary rites and traditional ceremonies required for the formal ascension to one of West Africa’s oldest surviving monarchies. Meanwhile, representatives of the Akamkpisi community have not yet indicated whether they intend to appeal the judgment.
