Court Regales Nye Udu Upata

By Comr. Oyagiri Monday

The presiding Judge of the High Court in Ahoada, Justice Sylvester Popnen, has hailed HRM Nye Udu Felix Enene Otuwarikpo, Nye-ishi Ele Upata Lowetu li Nye Udu Upata III of Upata Kingdom as an "unbiased and objective" traditional ruler. 

The remark came when the Court adopted the ruling of the Monarch on the Ugbobi chieftaincy conflict as Consent Judgement in Suit No. AHC/108/CS/2022.

The Ugbobi Kingdom's chieftaincy crisis was one that engaged the attention of people since the pronouncement of First Class by the Rivers State Government. Various efforts to meditate in the crisis was stalled until the Upata traditional ruler laid out a road map for peace. The ruling has put to rest the lingering crisis which had prevented the emergence of a new Eze Ugbobi Kingdom.

For Justice Popnen, what the Nye Udu Upata  demonstrated was a great act of courage that is reflective of a pace setting traditional ruler who has the interest of all at heart.

Many who are faint hearted would have developed cold feet on matters like the Ugbobi issue, but the Upata Monarch's interest for peace bouyed him which, is why the Court eulogized his deep interest for peace and unity across Ekpeye Nation.