OLABODE ABIMBOLA ADEGBEHINGBE, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This appeal started as suit no. BHC/49/CS/2020, filed by the appellants at the Bori Judicial Division of the Rivers State High Court, on 25/09/2020. The appellants sued the respondents and asked the lower Court to resolve the question, set as follows:
Whether Goi Community which has been judicially recognized by the judgment in Charge no. OMC/527/1986 which is extant and subsisting and the holistic examination and construction of the relevant provision of administrative division of Ogoni (Establishment) Amendment Instrument 1957, National Gazette of Place Names of Rivers State of July 1985 and Ogoni Development Blueprint published by the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni Community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State and entitled to all the rights, benefits and privileges that accrue to every recognized communities in Rivers State.” (Bold font for emphasis).
The prayers sought to be granted by the lower…