BITRUS GYARAZAMA SANGA, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This appeal is from the judgment of High Court of Rivers State Oyigbo Judicial Division (hereinafter referred to as the lower/trial court) delivered on 6th October, 2011 by Hon. Justice J. M. Kobani in Suit No. OYHC/31/2008.
By a Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim dated 26th May, 2008 the Respondent as Claimant claimed jointly and severally against the Appellants as Defendants the following reliefs: -
1: A Declaration that the Claimant be conferred recognized and or installed as the rightful and bonafide Umumanke Compound Chief.
2: A Declaration that the purported decision of the wrongly constituted Arbitration Council delivered on the 30th day of April, 2008 is unfounded and misdirected. The consequential order of 3rd Defendant and some chiefs on the 8th day of May, 2008, barring the Claimant from attending the Obeakpu Council of Chief meeting is wrongful, unwarranted, and null and void.
3: An Order of Court compelling…