MATINJA & ORS.
V.
THE MILITARY ADMINISTRATOR, PLATEAU STATE & ORS.

EDOZIE, JCA (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This appeal stemmed from the dispute over the selection of a successor to the Ogoma Pangana which is the stool of a chiefdom comprising three communities, viz., Amo, Buji and Jere communities in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau Slate. The stool became vacant following the death on 19/4/93 of the last incumbent Mallam Akinfa Kaduwa. In an election exercise conducted on 19/11/93, Bawa Samba (5th defendant/respondent) from Amo was selected the successor. Thereafter, a set of 15 persons from Jere community after obtaining the leave of the court below to sue for themselves and as representatives of the Jere community on 17/8/94 commenced an action before the Plateau State High Court, Jos in suit No. PLD/194/94 against the respondents herein as defendants challenging the validity and legality of the election of the successor and the Legal Notice No.5 of 1991 on the strength of which the selection was made. In their reaction, the defendant…