ITA GEORGE MBABA, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): Appellants were 1st to 7th Defendants in HOH/12/2012, pending at the Abia State High Court (herein referred to as the Court below), a Suit filed by the Claimants (now 1st to 7th Respondents), seeking some declarations and injunctive reliefs, relating to chieftaincy, namely, the withdrawal or purported withdrawal of the certificate of recognition and staff of office of the 1st Claimant, and the alleged presentation of the 3rd Defendant to 8th Defendant for forwarding to the 9th and 11th Defendants for recognition as traditional ruler of Agbajah Nkporo Autonomous Community. The Claimants also sought declaration that the 8th, 9th and 11th Defendants cannot exercise the power of creating an autonomous community on any part of Abia State, except as provided for and in compliance with the relevant provisions of the Traditional Rulers and Autonomous Communities Law, Cap 166 Laws of Abia State, 2005.
After filing the Suit on 29/2/2012…