Calms Returns to Eleme Kingdom as Appeal Court Affirms King Apollos Chu as Legitimate Oneh Eh Nchia X

The Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has brought to a definitive legal conclusion the protracted chieftaincy dispute over who is the authentic Traditional Ruler of Eleme Kingdom.

In a landmark verdict delivered on Friday, June 13, 2025 on Appeal No. CA/PH/370/2023, Justice Abubakar Mahmud Talba in his lead judgment unequivocally reaffirmed His Royal Highness, King Dr. Apollos Chu, as the legitimate Oneh Eh Nchia, X, as Paramount Ruler of Eleme Kingdom.

The appellate court upheld the earlier ruling of a Rivers State High Court which had previously declared King Apollos Chu as the authentic Oneh Eh Nchia the X of Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State.

The Court of Appeal dismissed all six grounds of appeal filed by Chief Bebe Okpabi, asserting that it found the case to be entirely without merit, thereby consolidating King Apollos Chu’s hold on royal authority.

This judgment effectively brings to an end several years of legal wrangling over the revered Oneh Eh Nchia stool, paving the way for sustained peace and stability within the Eleme Kingdom.

The reaffirmation of King Apollos Chu’s leadership is expected to allow him to fully focus on the development and unity of his people.

King Apollos Chu was initially selected by the Nchia Council of Chiefs and Elders in accordance with Eleme tradition, following the voluntary resignation of King Philip Osaro Obele.

His ascension was unanimously endorsed by all six clans of Nchia.

This latest judicial pronouncement reinforces the validity of that traditional process and preceding High Court affirmation.