EJIWUNMI, J.S.C.: (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The main question that calls for determination in this appeal is, whether the appellant as opposed to the 1st respondent was properly appointed by the 2nd respondent, the Military Administrator of Imo State as the Traditional Ruler of Avu Autonomous Community in Imo State.
The proceedings in this matter arose when the 1st respondent applied at the High Court of Imo State for an order of certiorari quashing the recognition accorded to the appellant as the traditional ruler of Avu Autonomous Community in Imo State by the 2nd respondent. Pursuant to the leave granted to the 1st respondent, he filed the application on notice for judicial review of the recognition granted to the appellant by the Military Administrator. In that application, the appellant was joined as respondent with the Military Administrator, the Attorney General of Imo State and the Chairman of Owerri Local Government Council. The appellant who was the 3rd respondent …