Court Dismisses Suit Challenging The Appointment Of A Paramount Ruler In Adamawa

Court Dismisses Suit Challenging The Appointment Of A Paramount Ruler In Adamawa

A Yola High Court presided over by the state Chief Judge, Justice Nathan Musa, has dismissed a suit seeking to set aside the appointment of the Paramount Ruler of Lunguda Kingdom, HRM Kwandi Nunguraya, Kuruhaye Dishon Dansanda ll.

Kuruhaye Dishon Dansanda ll

In his judgement that lasted over two hours, Justice Nathan, said “the court has carefully evaluated the evidence of the 2 plaintiffs’ witnesses who testified in court and that of the 4 defendant ‘ witnesses, he stated that the plaintiffs witnesses’s evidence failed to prove that there was no election or selection of the new king.”

Justice Nathan, therefore, dismissed the suit for want of evidence stressing that the onus of proof lies with the plaintiffs.

The Kwandi Nunguraya was appointed in August 2019 by the Adamawa state government after the kingmakers of the kingdom selected Kuruhaye Dishon Dansanda following the death of former Kwandi Nunguraya, Dr. Wilfred Kimde.

Not satisfied with the process that led to the appointment of the ruler, Baba Gashemuru G. Amalai and 7 others of Bongkumbebe ruling clan dragged Kuruhaye of Bonsibe ruling clan and 6 others to court.

The plaintiffs sought for the declaration that no election or selection was held which saw to the emergence of the present Kwandi Nunguraya, Kuruhaye Dishon Dansanda.

According to them, the exercise was faulty on the ground that there was no exchange of traditional stone between the 2 ruling clans before the election, and how Hon. Wulbina Jackson, Commissioner of Education assisted a blind man who happened to be among the 8 kingmakers to vote.

They prayed the court to declare the appointment or approval of the Kwandi Nunguraya by the Adamawa State government illegal, null and void, and prayed the court to set aside the entire process.

Equally, they urged the court to restrain Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri from presenting the Staff of Office to Kwandi Nunguraya, and that if already presented, it shall be retrieved.

According to them, no selection or election was lawfully held either on 22nd or 29th August, 2019, at the Presidential Lodge in Guyuk Local Government Area.

Reacting to the judgement, Counsel to 3, 4, 5 and 6 defendants, Barrister Jerry Owe and Counsel to 7 defendant, Barrister J Akpanamasi and Barrister Sule .J. Abul, counsel to the plaintiffs appreciated the court.

Before the proceedings commenced, the entire High Court complex was cordoned off by heavily armed policemen.

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