An Awka High Court presided over by Justice Dennis Mmaduechesi has adjourned till May 7, for pre-trial conference in the case involving the sharing of late Sir Louis Ojukwu’s property.

The adjournment followed failure by counsel to the first defendant, Mr Okwuchukwu Ugolo, SAN to comply with the High Court rules with respect to change in counsel.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first defendant, Dr Joseph Ojukwu was formerly represented by Mr Gerald Ezeuko, SAN.

Mr Ebuka Ogwu and Mr Christopher Ezeoka had put up appearance for the second defendant (Mr Lotanna Ojukwu) and the fifth defendant (Ojukwu Transport Company) respectively.

When the matter was called up on Monday, Mr Chuka Osianatogu, Counsel to the plaintiffs (Chukwuma Ojukwu and Ikemefuna Ojukwu) pointed out the mix up in the appearance to the court.

According to him, the first defendant counsel failed to comply with Order 48 of the High Court (Civil Procedure) rule.

In his response, Ugolo, who said he will file papers to put their house in order, applied for new date to enable him to also file pre-trial conference.

Also, the court observed that the earlier order of hearing notice on the third defendant, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu was not properly served.

It further noted that the fourth defendant, the Probate Registrar of Awka High Court was not served at all.

The presiding Judge, Justice Dennis Mmaduechesi therefore, adjourned till May 7, for pre-trial conference to enable parties put their houses in order.

NAN reports that Sir Louis Ojukwu, a wealthy man who died in 1966, was the father of late Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, the founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Mr Ikemefuna Ojukwu and his brother, Mr Chukwuma Ojukwu had instituted the suit in 2014, against Dr Joseph Ojukwu, Dr Ike Ojukwu, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu and Mr Lotenna Ojukwu.

The plaintiffs among other reliefs are seeking that they be entitled to 25 per cent of the share in the compound of their father at No. 73, Owerri road, Nnewi.

“A declaration that the plaintiff are entitled to succeed to 25 per cent shares of their father’s company, Ojukwu Transport Company.”

They also sought an order of the court compelling the defendants to account to them the management of late Sir Louis Ojukwu’s property over the years.

The duo further asked the court to grant an order of the will of Sir Louis Ojukwu to be resealed. (NAN)

https://orientdailynews.com.ng/anambra/ojukwu-property-dispute-court-adjourns/

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