Bayelsa vs Delta: High Courts Clash Over INC Presidency as Judicial Earthquake Rocks Ijaw Nation — Bayelsa Says Stop, Delta Says Proceed
By Passman Akpos
The leadership crisis rocking the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has taken a dramatic legal turn following separate rulings from the High Courts of Bayelsa and Delta States, with both courts issuing significant directives capable of reshaping the organization’s 2026 national leadership contest.
In Yenagoa, the High Court of Bayelsa State, presided over by Hon. Justice Amadise Michael Ekadi, ordered all parties involved in Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CV/134/2026 to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the matter
The suit was filed by Rear Admiral Woyengidinikpete Geoffrey Yanga (Rtd.), Alabo Nengi James, and Engr. Ebipamowei Wodu against Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba, who was sued in his capacity as President of the Ijaw National Congress, alongside HRM Justice Dr. F.F. Tabai (Rtd.) and Dr. Olobo Choice Jamaica, representing members of the 2026 National Electoral Committee.
Delivering the order on May 12, 2026, Justice Ekadi ruled that no party—including those seeking joinder—should take any step capable of undermining proceedings before the court.
The court specifically directed that all sides must preserve the existing situation as of the day of the ruling and adjourned the matter to May 14, 2026, for the hearing of all pending applications.
Legal observers say the “status quo” order effectively places a temporary restraint on actions that could alter the current leadership structure or electoral process of the INC until the court gives further directives.
Meanwhile, in Warri, Delta State, the High Court delivered what many see as a major boost to the newly elected National Executive of the Ijaw National Congress.
Justice Anthony Olotu Akpovi, in Suit No. W/125/2026 filed by High Chief MacDonald E. Igbadiwei Esq., dismissed a preliminary objection filed by the 1st Defendant, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV, and awarded a cost of N500,000 in favour of the claimant
The claimant had approached the court on behalf of the newly elected National Executive of the INC, seeking legal protection over the April 13, 2026 election and the planned swearing-in of the executives.
In a strongly worded ruling, the court held that there was no evidence that any court of concurrent jurisdiction had restrained the conduct of the April 13 election and rejected allegations of forum shopping linked to the Bayelsa suit.
Justice Akpovi ruled that the election conducted by the National Electoral Committee could not be invalidated merely by objections from parties who were not contestants in the election.
He further granted interlocutory injunctions protecting the swearing-in of the claimant and all newly elected executives, declaring that there should be no leadership vacuum in the INC.
The judge also clarified that the INC constitution does not restrict the swearing-in venue to Bayelsa alone, stating that such inauguration could validly take place in Rivers State or Delta State zonal offices.
According to the ruling, “it is in the best interest of the entire Ijaw National Congress that there be no vacuum in leadership.”
The substantive suit was granted accelerated hearing, with dates fixed for May 29 and June 29, 2026.
The dual court rulings have now intensified public interest in the INC leadership tussle, with stakeholders closely watching whether the Bayelsa status quo order and the Delta injunction protecting swearing-in will collide or ultimately define the future leadership of the apex Ijaw socio-cultural body.
Political analysts believe the coming days may determine whether the Ijaw National Congress moves toward reconciliation or deeper internal division as legal fireworks continue across two states.
