EDOZIE, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This appeal arose from the dispute over the election of the District head or Manguna in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. The Chieftaincy stool of the District Head of Manguna, otherwise referred to as Saf Manguna became vacant in April 1989 following the death of the former incumbent Mashingil Malgit. As was customary, one Mashat Mashingfil, the Galadima was appointed the Acting District Head or Caretaker pending the election of a substantive District Head.
Eligibility for election into that office is limited to the males of two Ruling Houses, viz Nafawalong and Nafajiya. On 1st June, 1989, an election was held to fill the vacancy. Two persons, that is, Adamu Akun from Nafajiya clan and Andong Adoke from Nafawalong clan stood for the election which was conducted by officials from the Mangu Local Government Council headed by its Secretary. At the end of the exercise, Andong Adoke the 2nd defendant/respondent won with a sco…