Arua, Uganda: The High Court sitting in Arua has declared Opi Suru Simon Baru as the rightful Lopirigo (Paramount Chief) of the Pakile Clan, striking out a legal challenge brought by Mamgbwi Sam Dralobu, a rival claimant to the throne.
In a ruling delivered on May 13, 2025, the court dismissed Mamgbwi’s application as “frivolous and vexatious,” cementing Opi Suru Simon Baru’s legitimacy as the successor of his late father, Kamilo Baru, who had also succeeded his father, the late Opi Suru Baru.
Mamgbwi Sam, the son of the late Chudi David Odrabi, himself a former rival claimant, had contested the gazettement and subsequent recognition of Opi Suru Simon Baru by the sub-county councils of Ofua and Itirikwa in 2023, and later by the Adjumani District Council in 2024.
The matter was registered as Miscellaneous Application No. 0069 of 2024, arising from Civil Suit No. 039 of 2024, and was heard by Worship Matyama Paul, Acting Assistant Registrar of the High Court in Arua.
A copy of the ruling obtained by DailyExpress confirms that the High Court upheld the legitimacy of Opi Suru Simon Baru’s traditional leadership.
In a June 12 letter addressed to the Adjumani District Chairperson, Kayanja and Company Advocates, representing Opi Suru Simon Baru, reiterated that multiple court applications by Mamgbwi Sam had all been dismissed, and no valid court order exists restraining the District Council from continuing to recognize their client.
“The assertions of Mamgbwi Sam remain baseless and legally ineffective,” the firm emphasized.
Opi Suru Simon Baru was elected Lopirigo of Madi in a majority vote by clan chiefs across the Madi sub-region during a free and fair election held on August 26, 2024, at the People’s Hall in Moyo Town Council, Moyo District.
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