Okan-Ama and paramount ruler of Asuk-Oyet Community, His Royal Highness, King Brown Asuk VI.

The Okan-Ama and paramount ruler of Asuk-Oyet Community in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Highness, King Brown Asuk VI, has appealed against a recent judgment of the Rivers State High Court removing him from office.

Justice Chiwendu Nwogu, in a judgment delivered on July 20, 2026, ordered King Asuk VI’s removal and granted a perpetual injunction restraining him, his agents and servants from parading himself as the Okan-Ama and paramount ruler of Asuk-Oyet.

Dissatisfied with the judgment, the monarch, through his counsel, Chief V. O. Egbuawa & Co., filed an appeal on July 29, 2026, challenging the decision in Suit No. PHC/3500/2019.

In the three grounds of appeal, the appellant contended that the trial judge erred in law and arrived at what he described as a “miscarriage of justice.”

King Asuk VI argued that the judgment was based on what he described as a “preconceived decision”, alleging that the court relied substantially on the evidence of the sole founder of the respondent, which, according to him, was not corroborated by any credible witness.

He further relied on evidence which he said was presented by credible witnesses conversant with the customs and traditions of the Andoni people, insisting that the trial court failed to properly evaluate the evidence before reaching its decision.

In the application filed before the appellate court, the appellant sought an order setting aside the judgment of the lower court and staying its execution pending the determination of the appeal.

“We, therefore, respectfully pray your lordship to grant this application staying the execution of the judgment of the lower court in the overall interest of justice as same will not prejudice the respondents, pending the determination of appeal at the Court of Appeal,” the appellant stated.

In an eight-point affidavit filed in support of the motion on notice, King Asuk VI said he was dissatisfied with the judgment of Justice Nwogu and had consequently exercised his constitutional right of appeal.

He maintained that granting the application for a stay of execution would not prejudice the claimants/respondents, arguing that it would serve the interest of justice to preserve the status quo pending the determination of the appeal.

The applicant also averred that he made the depositions contained in the affidavit in good faith, believing them to be true and correct in accordance with the Oaths Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The matter now awaits further proceedings on the application for a stay of execution and the substantive appeal at the Court of Appeal.