Court Decries Issuance of Certificate to Ifurunwa, Ihite Monarch-Elect, Despite Pending Litigation

A High Court sitting in Umunze, Orumba South Judicial Division, and presided over by Hon. Justice Jude Obiora, has condemned the issuance of a certificate of recognition to Chief Timothy Okwudiri Ifurunwa as monarch-elect of Ihitte community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Chief Ifurunwa received the certificate on January 14, 2025, alongside other newly elected traditional rulers, from the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. His recognition came despite multiple court cases challenging the legitimacy of his emergence.

The contesting parties,High Chief Sampson Ikechukwu Okoli, Raymond Okoli, and Mr. Emeka Onyeanusi, representing Umuezeoma kindred of Umuezeawuru village — insist that the kingship rightfully belongs to their lineage. Separately, the Ihitte Traditional Council has accused a “small cabal” within the community of conducting the election without involving the council, which they maintain are the legitimate kingmakers.

During Tuesday’s proceedings in suit number HOS/47/2024, Justice Obiora criticized the government’s action in issuing the certificate while the validity of the election remained before the court.

Upon learning that the defendants planned to proceed with a coronation ceremony on January 3, 2026, the judge asked sharply:
“Why was a certificate issued in the first place when the matter is still in court? It is this lawlessness that has kept us where we are today.”

Counsel to the Anambra State Government, Barr. Ifeanyi Oguejiofor, informed the court that he had been unable to file certain processes due to ill health and requested additional time.

However, counsel to the fourth to seventh defendants — representing the Ihitte Traditional Council — Barr. Ndubuisi Onyeakpa, expressed concern that the scheduled coronation could render the substantive suit meaningless. He urged the court to order Chief Ifurunwa and his supporters to suspend all coronation activities pending the court’s determination.

The court adjourned the matter to January 29, directing that all outstanding processes be filed before the next hearing.

Speaking with journalists after the session, Oguejiofor said:
“The matter could not proceed because not all processes have been filed before the court. An adjournment became necessary. As for the coronation, it was not before the court today, as the motions listed for hearing could not be taken until all filings are complete.”

Meanwhile, the plaintiff, High Chief Sampson Ikechukwu Okoli, praised the judge’s stance, describing it as a validation of their long-standing concerns.

“We have been on this matter for a long time,” he said. “I am happy the judge openly condemned the issuance of a certificate to someone whose election is still being challenged. He made it clear that everything concerning the coronation ought to have been put on hold. With what the court has said, I doubt they will proceed. Their representatives in court today heard it clearly.