Peter Nkume, Abakaliki
An Igweship dispute has erupted in Ndiebor Autonomous Community, Ebonyi State, between Prince Kenneth Nwiboko and his brother, Hyacinth Awoke Nwiboko, over who succeeds their father, Late Chief Nwiboko Obodo.
Prince Kenneth Nwiboko, who claims to have been nominated by the royal family, has dragged his brother to the Ebonyi State High Court in Abakaliki.
Background
According to Prince Kenneth, he was nominated by the royal sons of Nwiboko to take over the mantle of kingship left by their father. However, Hyacinth Awoke was allegedly crowned through the activities of the Principal Secretary of Ebonyi State, Chief Mathias Adum, who is being accused of fanning the ember of crisis in the palace.
Court Proceedings
The State High Court, after hearing the matter for the first time, adjourned the case to June 18, 2025, to enable the court to get more details. Justice Henry Njoku expressed surprise that two brothers would be in court over an issue that should have been settled at home.
Plaintiff’s Claims
The plaintiff’s counsel, Barrister Ikechukwu Ogbuewu, stated that Prince Kenneth was screened and found qualified for the position of Traditional Ruler of Ndiebor Ishieke Community. However, the defendants allegedly selected Hyacinth Awoke without notice to the plaintiff and in disobedience to the community’s decision and the constitution.
Defendant’s Qualifications
The plaintiff’s counsel also pointed out that Hyacinth Awoke is not educated and has no academic certificate, which is one of the basic requirements for the position of Eze (Traditional Ruler) of Ndiebor Ishieke Community. Despite this, the defendants presented him for recognition believing that despite not being educated, has a good knowledge of the community’s tradition.
Next Steps
The matter has been adjourned to June 18, 2025, for further hearing. The counsel representing the 1st to 4th defendants, Barrister Dickson Amaga, declined to comment on the matter.
