In a shocking turn of events, the counsel for Okwaraejesu, the plaintiff in a seniority claim case against Okwaraonyirioha, has been accused of unprofessional conduct aimed at creating unrest in Umuojisi autonomous community of Ideato South. Despite a pending appeal at the Court of Appeal, Owerri, the plaintiff counsel allegedly lied to government authorities, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs claiming there was no appeal, and sought recognition and coronation of his client as the traditional ruler of the community.
This egregious act has sparked outrage and calls for investigation and punishment. The initial judgment, delivered on November 20, 2020, in favor of Okwaraejesu, was appealed by Okwaraonyirioha on July 1, 2021, with appeal number CA/OW/333/21. All parties were duly informed, yet the plaintiff counsel chose to mislead government authorities, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The appeal is still pending, and the actions of the plaintiff counsel are seen as a desperate attempt to undermine the judicial process and create chaos in the community. The community is urging the Judicial Service Councils and the state government to investigate this matter and take appropriate disciplinary action against the counsel and his client.
The initial judgment is alleged to be controversial, with many questioning the reliance on the testimony of a single witness, Livinus Eze, an 80-year-old man described as “disinterested.” Okwaraonyirioha’s evidence was deemed insufficient, leading to the appeal.
The community is concerned about the implications of this conduct on the peace and stability of the area. If allowed to go unchecked, it may embolden other legal practitioners to engage in similar unethical behavior, undermining the rule of law and the integrity of the judicial system.
The people of Umuojisi autonomous community are calling on the authorities to take swift action to address this situation and ensure that justice is served. The state government and Judicial Service Councils must demonstrate their commitment to upholding the law and maintaining public trust in the judicial system.
The community demands that the plaintiff counsel be held accountable for his actions and that measures be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. This incident highlights the need for greater scrutiny and accountability within the legal profession.
As the appeal process continues, the community remains vigilant, seeking a just and peaceful resolution to the seniority claim dispute. The authorities must act decisively to maintain public trust and ensure that the legal system serves the interests of justice, not personal agendas.
The public is urged to remain calm and support the community’s quest for justice and peace. The authorities must take all necessary steps to address this situation and uphold the integrity of the judicial system.
