Introduction
The Supreme Court’s recent decision in His Highness Obong David Edu & 31 Ors. v. Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited & 2 Ors. provides another important clarification on one of the most fundamental principles of adjudication: jurisdiction. In Nigerian law, jurisdiction remains the lifeblood of judicial proceedings. No matter how compelling a claim may be, a court that lacks jurisdiction cannot validly determine it.
The case presented the Supreme Court with an opportunity to clarify the boundary between the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court and that of State High Courts, particularly where disputes arise in the context of petroleum operations but concern land rights and compensation claims.
Brief Statement of Facts
The Appellants, comprising traditional rulers, chiefs, and community leaders representing the Ekid people of Akwa Ibom State, instituted an action against Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (Mobil), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and the Government of Akwa Ibom
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