The Enugu State High Court, under the jurisdiction of Justice A.O Onovo, has dismissed a suit initiated by the late Chief (Dr) Debe Odumegwu Ojukwu against Mrs Bianca Ojukwu, widow of the late Biafra leader, Dim Chukwemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
The suit challenged the authenticity of Dim Chukwemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu’s will and sought to establish Debe Odumegwu Ojukwu’s claim as the deceased’s first son.
The late Debe Odumegwu Ojukwu, claiming to be the first son of Dim Chukwemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, brought the matter to court, contesting the validity of his father’s will.
He alleged that he was not acknowledged in the will and sought an order restraining Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu from interfering with the administration of the estate. H
owever, following Debe Odumegwu Ojukwu’s death in 2018, his daughters, Nene Grace and Obianuju Sarah, applied for substitution in the suit.
After meticulously examining the evidence presented, Justice Onovo delivered a comprehensive judgment lasting over two hours.
The court held that Debe Odumegwu Ojukwu failed to prove that Dim Chukwemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu acknowledged him as his biological son during his lifetime. The judge emphasized that recognition of paternity must be proven, and public opinion alone cannot suffice.
Regarding the validity of Dim Chukwemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu’s will, the court found that it was properly and validly made, dismissing claims of typographical errors and signatories’ authenticity raised by the plaintiff.
Furthermore, the court ruled that Debe Odumegwu Ojukwu’s children lacked locus standi to challenge the will, as they failed to establish their status as the deceased’s grandchildren.
In conclusion, the Enugu State High Court’s decision signifies the legal closure of the dispute initiated by Debe Odumegwu Ojukwu.
The dismissal of the suit upholds the validity of Dim Chukwemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu’s will and affirms Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu’s position as the widow and beneficiary.
