Court of Appeal Dismisses Ijaw Claim to Warri South Entitlement

The Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeal filed by H.R.M. Monbene III, the Ama–Okosu of Ogbe–Ijoh, challenging the judgment of a Delta State High Court which held that he has no jurisdiction or entitlement within Warri South Local Government Area.

The unanimous judgment, delivered on Tuesday, 17 December 2025, via virtual proceedings in Appeal No: CA/AS/154/2024, affirmed the decision of the lower court in favour of the Warri Council of Chiefs and other respondents, including the Executive Governor of Delta State.

At the centre of the dispute were 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 royalties and other benefits accruing from the council area. These claims were firmly rejected by the trial court.

The High Court had upheld the submissions of Chief Robinson Ariyo, counsel to the Warri Council of Chiefs, and dismissed the suit in its entirety. Dissatisfied with that ruling, the Ama–Okosu of Ogbe–Ijoh approached the Court of Appeal, seeking to overturn the decision.

In its ruling, the Court of Appeal agreed with the findings of the lower court and dismissed the appeal, holding that the appellant failed to establish any legal or customary basis for jurisdiction, ownership, or entitlement in Warri South Local Government Area.

Legal observers say the judgment has far-reaching implications, as it effectively forecloses any claim by the Ama–Okosu of Ogbe–Ijoh over Warri South. They noted that, by implication, any further acts or representations asserting ownership or entitlement in the area may amount to contempt of court, in view of the subsisting judgments.

With the dismissal of the appeal, the Ama–Okosu of Ogbe–Ijoh’s only remaining legal option is to approach the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Until such an appeal is filed and determined, the appellate court’s decision stands, and the judgment of the lower court remains binding.

The ruling is expected to further shape ongoing discussions and disputes over traditional authority, land ownership, and entitlement within the Warri axis of Delta State.