After a prolonged 27-year chieftaincy dispute in the South Ibie Kingdom of Edo State, the state government has officially appointed Prince Umoru Inusa Umoru as the Aidonogie (traditional ruler) of the South Ibie Clan.
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This resolution follows a protracted conflict between the Oghiator and Danesi branches of the Okhokho Royal Family, resulting in violent clashes and legal battles since the passing of the previous ruler, His Royal Highness Inusa Moses Jatto Umoru, in 1997.

The appointment was formalised in a letter from the Commissioner of Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Monday Osaigbovo, confirming the endorsement by the State Executive Council and affirming the Supreme Court’s ruling in favour of Prince Umoru.

“I wish to inform you that the State Executive Council has approved your appointment as the Aidonogie (Clan Head) of South Ibie in Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State,” the letter stated.

In a ceremony held to present the staff of office to Prince Umoru, Mr Osaigbovo emphasised that the government’s action aligns with the Supreme Court’s judgment, which recognised Prince Umoru as the legitimate ruler. The commissioner noted that steps are underway to publish the appointment in the State Gazette.

However, Alhaji Inusa Kelvin Danesi, the former claimant to the throne from the Danesi branch, contested the government’s action. He argued that no court had removed him from his position since he assumed leadership in 1999 and called the state’s decision a violation of a subsisting court order.

According to Danesi, the Court of Appeal in 2003 had affirmed his eligibility, noting that it was his branch’s turn to hold the throne under the Chieftaincy Law of 1979, which was later amended in 2006. Prince Umoru dismissed Danesi’s claims, referencing multiple court rulings, including a 2003 Court of Appeal decision, which nullified Danesi’s appointment.

In its ruling, the court declared the Danesi branch’s attempt to install Alhaji Danesi as ruler “null, void, and of no effect.” The Supreme Court later upheld this decision in 2007.

Further attempts by Danesi to assert authority over South Ibie land and his right to the throne through additional lawsuits were struck down by the courts. Justice E. F. Ikponmwen in 2013 and Justice S. A. Omonua in 2020 reaffirmed previous rulings that Danesi’s position as Aidonogie was legally invalid.
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