Amankpaka Community in Ugwuogo Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, erupted in jubilation following a landmark ruling by the Enugu State High Court on Monday, June 23, 2025, in the appeal suit No. E/18A/2024 between Chief Festus Oguegbe and Hon. Gab Onu & 5 Others.
The appellate court, presided over by Hon. Justice R.N. Orji, overturned the decision of the Enugu South Magistrate Court, which had earlier dismissed the case citing lack of jurisdiction. The High Court ruled in favour of Chief Oguegbe, granting all reliefs sought and affirming the supremacy of the Amankpaka Community Constitution in the appointment and reconstitution of its Power of Attorney.
The legal dispute centered on the attempt by Hon. Gab Onu and others to unilaterally constitute a new set of members to the community’s Power of Attorney without the involvement of the Elders-in-Council and the General Assembly, as mandated by the community’s constitution.
Chief Festus Oguegbe, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Amankpaka Community General Assembly, had approached the magistrate court to challenge the move but was met with a jurisdictional objection that led to the dismissal of the suit. Undeterred, he appealed the decision at the High Court, which has appellate jurisdiction over the lower court.
In delivering judgment, Justice Orji declared:
“The magistrate court lacked jurisdiction ab initio, and the dismissal was in error. The actions of the respondents in reconstituting the Power of Attorney without following the due constitutional process are hereby declared unlawful.”
The court granted a perpetual injunction restraining Hon. Gab Onu and others from making further attempts to reconstitute the community’s Power of Attorney outside the due constitutional process. It also directed them to abide by the provisions of the Amankpaka Community Constitution.
Reacting to the judgment, a community leader, David Chibuzo Ugwuede, praised the judiciary for standing up for justice.
“The judgment of the Enugu State High Court has saved our community from constitutional collapse and potential crisis,” he said. “There’s now a ray of light and hope for our people. Truly, nothing built on illegality can stand.”
The Amankpaka Community expressed confidence in the judicial system, describing the verdict as a victory for democracy, rule of law, and communal harmony.