By Dada AYOKHAI
The legitimate Onojie of Ewu, His Royal Highness Jafaru Isesele I, has protested the Edo state government’s alleged approval of financial benefits to Prince Rasak Yesufu Ogiefo, who claims to be the Onojie of Ewu.
The monarch argues this move contradicts the Supreme Court’s judgment in Suit No. 147/2014, delivered on July 19, 2024, which declared him the rightful Onojie of Ewu.
In a letter to Governor Okpebholo from the law firm of E. Olayiwola Afolabi SAN on behalf of His Royal Highness, Jafaru Isesele 1, with reference No. EOA/GEN/68/25, dated 13th December, 2025 and titled, “Re: Onogie of Ewu Chieftaincy Dispute: Attempt to Undermine The Supreme Court of Nigeria Delivered in SC. 147/2014 on 19th July, 2024,” the learned Silk pointed out that it has just been brought to their notice that Edo State Government has directed the restoration of payment of the financial benefits due the Ewu throne to Prince Rasak Yesufu Ogiefo who lost out in the three tiers of Courts in the country vide a letter dated the 12th of December, 2025, noting that would be unlawful and an affront on the authority of Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Afolabi also wrote to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and attentioned Pauline Irusota Esq, the Acting Permanent Secretary and signatory to the letter, intimating her of the Supreme Court judgement and enrollment of Order and urging her to withdraw the letter within 48 hours or would be reported to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.
In Afolabi’s letter to the Governor, which was copied to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and the Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, he pointed out that there is already a contempt proceedings against Prince Rasak Yesufu Ogiefo who lost out in the legal tussle for refusal to give up possession of Ewu Palace as ordered by the Supreme Court.
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