An Olomoro Magistrate Court, presided over by His Worship C.E. Amudo, has annulled the March 14, 2024, election that brought Chief Adonis Ubuwere and his executive team into office as leaders of the Irri Federal Union (IFU). The court further directed government agencies to withdraw their recognition of the disputed leadership.
The judgment followed a legal challenge by Raphael Arovah and four others, who argued that the election was conducted while a motion for an interlocutory injunction was pending. The plaintiffs, listed as Defendants/Applicants in Suit No. MCM/4/2024, sought an order to nullify the election and prevent any recognition of Chief Ubuwere’s administration until the substantive case is resolved.
In delivering his ruling on Friday, November 29, 2024, His Worship Amudo stated that the application had merit, affirming that the plaintiffs had met the legal criteria necessary for the court to exercise its discretion in their favor.
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“I find and hold that there is merit in this application,” the magistrate ruled. “This application succeeds, and I hereby make an order setting aside the election, selection, or appointment of the 1st Plaintiff/Respondent (Chief Adonis Ubuwere) and members of the elected executives of the Irri Federal Union during the pendency of this suit.”
The court further instructed government agencies to revoke any recognition granted to the disputed leadership, pending the resolution of the substantive case.
Reacting to the judgment, Chief Adonis Ubuwere disclosed that he had filed a motion for a stay of execution and an appeal challenging the court’s decision.
“I have filed a stay of execution and an appeal to challenge the ruling that set aside the election. Until the determination of the substantive case, by the court’s order, I remain the President-General of the Irri Federal Union as we return to the status quo,” Ubuwere asserted.
