Why Alimikhena's Chances Is Still In Doubt As Court Of Appeal Set To Decide Benin’s Wanno Royal Stool Dispute
Akeem Nafiu
The long-running dispute over the stool of the Okumagbe of Wanno Clan in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State has entered a new phase, with Chief Benjamin Aliu filing an appeal against the July 1, 2026 judgment of the Edo State High Court sitting in Agenebode.
Aliu, who is suing for himself and on behalf of the Edegbe Community of the Agiode Ruling House, is asking the Court of Appeal, Benin Division, to overturn the lower court’s decision.
The appeal, arising from Suit No. HAG/05/2026, lists Senator Francis Alimikhena, the Edo State Government, Etsako East Local Government Council and several other parties as respondents.
In the notice of appeal, Aliu argued that the trial judge erred in law by relying on provisions of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict of Bendel State, 1979, as applicable to Edo State, and by proceeding to determine substantive issues after allegedly finding the suit incompetent.
According to the appellant, jurisdiction is fundamental, and once a court declines jurisdiction, it lacks the authority to make findings on the merits of the case.
He also faulted the trial court’s reliance on judicial authorities, arguing that they did not apply to the issues before the court.
At the heart of the dispute is the legal framework governing the nomination and selection of the Okumagbe of Wanno Clan.
Aliu contended that no valid declaration or gazette currently regulates the process following the separation of the former Weppa-Wanno Clan into separate entities.
He maintained that without a fresh declaration approved by the Edo State Executive Council, any selection or installation of a clan head lacks legal foundation.
The appellant further alleged that despite pending court proceedings and an application for an interlocutory injunction, some respondents proceeded with activities relating to the selection process.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Edegbe Community have urged calm and respect for the judicial process. Addressing journalists, Chief Aliu and Dr Francis Omoh said the matter should be left to the courts while all parties refrain from actions capable of escalating tensions.
The community recalled that efforts by the Edo State Government to fill the vacant stool began in May 2025 following the dethronement of the former Okumagbe.
Although the process was initially suspended, a fresh exercise fixed for January 31, 2026, was also halted after court processes were served.
The community alleged that despite the suspension, Senator Alimikhena proceeded with a selection exercise, which they described as irregular and lacking broad participation.
They also expressed concern over reports of a government letter purportedly recognising Alimikhena as Okumagbe while the dispute remains before the courts.
Aliu is seeking an order setting aside the High Court judgment or, alternatively, directing that the matter be retried before another judge, while the community insists that the eventual emergence of the Okumagbe must comply with the law, established custom and principles of fairness.
The long-running dispute over the stool of the Okumagbe of Wanno Clan in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State has entered a new phase, with Chief Benjamin Aliu filing an appeal against the July 1, 2026 judgment of the Edo State High Court sitting in Agenebode.
Aliu, who is suing for himself and on behalf of the Edegbe Community of the Agiode Ruling House, is asking the Court of Appeal, Benin Division, to overturn the lower court’s decision.
The appeal, arising from Suit No. HAG/05/2026, lists Senator Francis Alimikhena, the Edo State Government, Etsako East Local Government Council and several other parties as respondents.
In the notice of appeal, Aliu argued that the trial judge erred in law by relying on provisions of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict of Bendel State, 1979, as applicable to Edo State, and by proceeding to determine substantive issues after allegedly finding the suit incompetent.
According to the appellant, jurisdiction is fundamental, and once a court declines jurisdiction, it lacks the authority to make findings on the merits of the case.
He also faulted the trial court’s reliance on judicial authorities, arguing that they did not apply to the issues before the court.
At the heart of the dispute is the legal framework governing the nomination and selection of the Okumagbe of Wanno Clan.
Aliu contended that no valid declaration or gazette currently regulates the process following the separation of the former Weppa-Wanno Clan into separate entities.
He maintained that without a fresh declaration approved by the Edo State Executive Council, any selection or installation of a clan head lacks legal foundation.
The appellant further alleged that despite pending court proceedings and an application for an interlocutory injunction, some respondents proceeded with activities relating to the selection process.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Edegbe Community have urged calm and respect for the judicial process. Addressing journalists, Chief Aliu and Dr Francis Omoh said the matter should be left to the courts while all parties refrain from actions capable of escalating tensions.
The community recalled that efforts by the Edo State Government to fill the vacant stool began in May 2025 following the dethronement of the former Okumagbe.
Although the process was initially suspended, a fresh exercise fixed for January 31, 2026, was also halted after court processes were served.
The community alleged that despite the suspension, Senator Alimikhena proceeded with a selection exercise, which they described as irregular and lacking broad participation.
They also expressed concern over reports of a government letter purportedly recognising Alimikhena as Okumagbe while the dispute remains before the courts.
Aliu is seeking an order setting aside the High Court judgment or, alternatively, directing that the matter be retried before another judge, while the community insists that the eventual emergence of the Okumagbe must comply with the law, established custom and principles of fairness.
