The leadership crisis rocking the Ijaw National Congress (INC) took a dramatic turn on Thursday after a Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa issued an interim injunction halting the inauguration of officers who emerged from the disputed April 13 National Executive Council (NEC) elections.

Justice Sobere Biambo, presiding over the matter, granted the order restraining the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), the President of the Ijaw National Congress, and the Chairman of the Electoral Committee from “inaugurating, swearing in, or presenting for inauguration any persons as officers of the INC” pending the determination of a motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

The suit was filed by three applicants, Pastor Victor Burubo, Eneyo Athanasius Emmanuel, and Ekene Okeigbeye, who urged the court to stop any swearing-in ceremony based on the outcome of the April 13 polls.

Counsel to the applicants, V.U Uzochukwu, argued that the election was marred by constitutional breaches and should not be allowed to stand.

After hearing the submissions, Justice Biambo granted the restraining order and adjourned the matter to May 8 for the hearing of the substantive motion.

The INC has been embroiled in internal wrangling since the April 13 NEC elections, which sparked widespread controversy among stakeholders. CITRE, which functions as the adjudicatory and moral authority of the INC, often described as its “Supreme Court”, had earlier declared the entire exercise null and void.

The Chairman of CITRE, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, who also chairs the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, was unequivocal in his rejection of the polls.

Speaking at a press conference in Yenagoa shortly after the election, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom stated: “In the eyes of Ijaw traditional rulers and elders, there was no election on April 13.” King Dakolo cited violations of the INC constitution as grounds for CITRE’s decision to void the process.

The court’s intervention now formalises the stalemate. With CITRE having voided the elections and the Federal High Court barring any inauguration, the INC is left without a duly recognised executive committee.

The ruling effectively prevents any faction from assuming office until the judiciary resolves the underlying disputes.

Legal analysts say the May 8 hearing will be critical. The court is expected to consider arguments on whether to grant an interlocutory injunction, which could extend the freeze on inauguration for months if the case proceeds to full trial.

While official statements from the INC President and the Electoral Committee were not available at press time, sources close to CITRE maintain that the body’s position remains unchanged.

The traditional rulers and elders insist that due process and constitutional provisions must guide any leadership transition in the apex Ijaw socio-cultural organisation.

The INC, founded to serve as the umbrella body for Ijaw people worldwide, has faced recurring leadership disputes in recent years.

Observers note that the current crisis risks weakening the organisation’s ability to advocate on pressing issues affecting the Niger Delta region.

The case resumes on Friday, May 8, before Justice Biambo at the Federal High Court, Yenagoa.