Supreme Court nullifies 31yr-old Plateau traditional ruler’s appointment

Justice Clara Ogunbiyi, in the lead judgment on Friday held that the appeal brought by Kayili’s counsel against the decision of the Court of Appeal, Jos Division has no merit and it was dismissed. Other members of the panel were Justice Ibrahim Tanko, John Fabiyi, Datijo Mohammed and Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
In a unanimous decision, the apex court held that the main appeal and cross-appeals were devoid of merit and dismissed accordingly, but declined to award cost to either party.
The court further held that the Court of Appeal was right to have decided that Somji stool was rotational between the two royal houses of Neha and Ne’es.
It also affirmed the Court of Appeal’s judgment that it was Neha’s exclusive right and turn to occupy the stool since the death of Nde Boyi Goshit from Ne’es family on September 5, 1984.
The plaintiffs, Esly Yilbuk and two others, now deceased, had instituted the suit in 1987, challenging Kayili appointment on behalf of the Neha Ruling House.