The paramount ruler of Asuk-Oyet community in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royal Highness, King Brown Asuk, the V1 has appealed against the recent judgment of a Port Harcourt High Court, which removed him from office.
Justice Chiwendu Nwogu, had on July 20, 2026, sacked Asuk from office, and granted a perpetual injunction restraining him and his agents or servants, from parading as the Okan-ama and paramount ruler of Asuk-Oyet.
In the three grounds of appeal against the originating suit Number PHC/3500/2019, the appellant argued that the trial judge erred in law by his judgment, which he described as a “miscarriage of justice.”
Citing several grounds, backed by what he described as “credible witnesses” based on the custom and tradition of Andoni people, the dethroned monarch King held that the trial judge “arrived at a “previse decision by relying on the sole founder of the respondent that was never supported by any credible witness.”
In the appeal through his counsel, V.O. Egbuawa on July 29, 2026, the appellant sought only one relief: an order setting aside the judgment of the trial court by staying its execution, and any further orders that the court may deem necessary.
“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 defendant, in an eight-point affidavit in support of the motion on notice, said he felt dissatisfied with the judgment of Justice Nworgu, and therefore, appealed the case to the Court of Appeal.
The sacked king insisted that the application, if granted, would not prejudice the claimants/respondents in any way.
He said it would be in the interest of justice for the court to order a stay of the execution of the said judgment pending the determination of the appeal at the court of appeal.
He averred that he made the deposition in good faith, believing the content to be true and correct in accordance with the provision of the Oath Act, laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
