Alhaji Mohammed Sarki Aliyu V. Alhaji Musa Nagogo Ibrahim & Ors (1996)

LawGlobal-Hub Lead Judgment Report

EDOZIE, J.C.A. 

The Oriye Rindre is the title of the traditional ruler of the Rindre people of Wamba in Akwanga Local Government Area of Plateau State. The last incumbent to the stool was Alhaji Suleiman Mohammadu Kore who was on 23rd April 1983 installed as a 2nd class chief by the Governor of Plateau State. Following his subsequent demise sometime in 1990, arrangements were made to fill the vacant stool. The procedure for the selection and appointment to fill the vacancy to the throne has been codified in the Plateau State Legal Notice No.2 of 1990 titled: “The Appointment And Deposition of Chiefs (Appointment of Oriye Rindre) Order 1990” (Exhibit 6). Its main provisions relevant to this case are reproduced hereunder as follows:-

“3. The Oriye Rindre shall continue to be selected by the traditional selectors from amongst the adult male descendants from each of the three ruling houses of:-

(a) Misa

(b) Suwa and;

(c) Pesa

4. The traditional selectors, which shall constitute the Electoral College for the purpose of the selection of the Oriye Rindre shall be persons holding the offices:-

(i) Head of Mawu Pese

(ii) Head of Mawu Misa

(iii) Head of Mawu Suwa

(iv) Head of Mawu Sagye

(v) Head of Mawu Lulu-

(vi) Head of Mawu Ungo

(vii) Sarkin Nakere

(viii) Sarkin Wayo