The leadership crisis rocking the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR)* has taken a dramatic legal turn, with the faction led by Comrade Dr. Prince Kehinde Taiga dragging prominent human rights lawyer, Barrister Femi Falana, SAN, several other individuals and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) before the Federal High Court over what it described as alleged breaches of the organisation’s constitution and unlawful interference in its leadership and affairs.
Taiga and four other claimants have instituted the suit at the *Federal High Court of Nigeria, Warri Judicial Division,* seeking judicial determination of the legitimate leadership of CDHR, as well as the control and protection of the organisation’s assets, bank accounts, statutory records, National Secretariat and other properties.
The suit, according to a statement issued by the Taiga-led leadership, is aimed at resolving years of disputes surrounding competing leadership claims, elections, appointments, suspensions and alleged actions said to have been taken in violation of the CDHR Constitution.
The claimants are *Comrade Dr. Prince Kehinde Taiga, Comrade James Chibuzo Chikwendu, Comrade Gerald O. Katchy, Comrade Michael Roy Olokungboye and Comrade Ayuba Musa, suing for themselves and on behalf of members of CDHR, Nigeria, excluding the defendants.*
Those named as defendants include *Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, Comrade Sola Kolawale, Barr. Femi Falana, SAN, Debo Adeniran, Godwin Anyebe, Deji Adebowale, Yinka Folarin, Ali Attahiru, Idris Afees, Derrick Agberen, Trust A. Igbimor, and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).*
Taiga alleges three factions
In his allegations surrounding the crisis, Taiga accused Falana, whom he described as a former President and former member of the Board of Trustees of CDHR, of playing a central role in the emergence of rival factions within the organisation.
Taiga alleged that Falana initially supported the formation of a faction involving Debo Adeniran, but later, after the first faction allegedly ceased to serve his interests, another faction emerged.
According to Taiga, the first factional arrangement produced Comrade Yinka Folarin as a factional Vice President, who later emerged as a factional President.
He revealed that the first faction created by Falana was that of the former President, Dr Osagie Obayuwanna , who was suspended following allegations of misconduct, unconstitutional act and Misappropriation of the organization’s fund.
He further alleged that Falana’s leadership as Chairman of the Board of Trustees was associated with the emergence of three different factions within CDHR.
The allegations, however, remain claims by Taiga and are expected to be tested through the judicial process.
Taiga also accused the *Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)* of alleged irregularities in the registration of changes relating to CDHR, including what he described as a purported fraudulent registration and changes to members of the organisation’s Board of Trustees without due process.
The CAC is a defendant in the suit, and the allegations against it are likewise matters before the court.
*Taiga seeks judicial affirmation*
*At the centre of the legal battle is Taiga’s claim that he was duly elected National President of CDHR at the National Convention held on October 16, 2021.*
The claimants are asking the Federal High Court to affirm the validity of that election and determine the legality of subsequent actions and competing leadership claims arising from the controversy.
They are also seeking orders restraining persons they regard as unauthorised from interfering with the affairs, properties and assets of the organisation.
The suit raises questions over the management and control of CDHR’s bank accounts, National Secretariat, certificates of incorporation, financial records, official records and other statutory documents, as well as the role of the CAC in matters concerning the organisation.
*Taiga-led EXCO listed*
The leadership faction headed by Taiga maintained that the authentic National Executive Committee of CDHR currently comprises:
• Comrade Dr. Prince Kehinde Taiga — National President
• Comrade James Chibuzo Chikwendu — National Vice President
• Comrade Gerald O. Katchy — National General Secretary
• Comrade Jude Adimekwe — Assistant General Secretary
• Comrade Michael Roy Olokungboye — National Treasurer
• Barr. Ibijoke Fajugba — National Legal Adviser
• Comrade Godspower Ugah — National Publicity Secretary
• Comrade Ifechiga Queen Chinaza — National Auditor
The claimants insist that these officers constitute the authentic National Executive Committee of CDHR in accordance with the organisation’s constitution and the mandate allegedly given to them at the October 16, 2021 National Convention.
*‘We are defending CDHR’s integrity’*
Explaining the decision to approach the court, the Taiga-led leadership said the legal action had become necessary to preserve the rule of law, uphold the CDHR Constitution, protect the organisation’s assets and ensure accountability, transparency and constitutional governance.
The leadership said it remained committed to resolving the crisis through lawful, peaceful and democratic means, expressing confidence in the independence and impartiality of the Federal High Court.
It urged all parties to refrain from actions or statements capable of prejudicing the proceedings now that the matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction.
*Call for non-recognition of rival executives*
In a significant aspect of the statement, the Taiga-led leadership called on security agencies, government institutions, the CAC, development partners, civil society organisations, the media and members of the public not to recognise, transact or engage with the defendants as National Executives, State Branch Executives or authorised representatives of CDHR, pending the determination of the suit.
The leadership said all official communications and engagements concerning the affairs of CDHR should, pending the court’s decision, be channelled through the National Executive Committee led by Taiga.
It also appealed to CDHR members across Nigeria to remain calm, united, peaceful and law-abiding, while continuing to uphold the constitution and ideals of the organisation.
*Court battle now centre stage*
With the dispute now before the Federal High Court, the long-running leadership struggle within one of Nigeria’s prominent civil society organisations has moved beyond competing claims and counterclaims into a formal judicial contest.
For Taiga and his supporters, the case is about more than who occupies the National President’s office.
They say it concerns the constitutional identity of CDHR, the protection of its assets and records, and the restoration of what they regard as lawful and transparent governance.
The defendants will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations in court, while the CAC and other parties named in the suit are expected to defend their respective positions.
Until the court determines the matter, the competing claims to the leadership and control of CDHR remain subject to judicial determination.
