CHIOMA EGONDU NWOSU-IHEME, J.S.C. (Delivering the Lead Judgment):
INTRODUCTION:
This appeal was instituted via an Amended Notice of Appeal filed on 2nd February, 2017 challenging the decision of the Court of Appeal, Ado-Ekiti Judicial division, coram: Adiza Gana Mshelia, JCA, Ayobode O. Lokulo-Sodipe, JCA, and Fatima Omoro Akinbami, JCA delivered on 27th June, 2014 affirming the trial Court’s Judgment of 16th April, 2013.
BRIEF STATEMENT OF FACTS:
When Oba Oluwole Amele passed on, it became necessary to appoint a successor. The Secretary of Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State wrote to the Arakale/Arosoye ruling house, being the next in line for succession, to produce a candidate or candidates for consideration for appointment by the kingmakers. In furtherance to this letter, the ruling house forwarded a list of 12 persons to the kingmakers. After several failed attempts, eventually on 10th August, 2009, the kingmakers by a vote of 7 to 6 voted the emergence of the 1st Respond…