REJOINDER TO THE MALICIOUS AND BASELESS PUBLICATION BY KRISTINA REPORTS

Clarifying the Events of 27 September 2025

The Royal House states that the violence which occurred on 27 September 2025 was not, as reported, a conflict between the Brown and Tobin Houses. Instead, it involved Finima Opu-Ogbo (Ogbokoroma) and a small, misguided faction of the Tobin Chieftaincy House. This faction was already subject to an interlocutory injunction preventing them from representing or parading as Tobin House leadership.

Despite this legal restraint, the faction, alleged to be fuelled and sponsored by the Bonny Chiefs Council under Edward Asimini Dappa Pepple, violated the law by firing gunshots and hurling fuel bombs that backfired, causing injury to their own members. The Royal House explicitly denies any involvement in acid attacks, describing such claims as fabrications intended to garner sympathy and demonise the true custodians of Finima heritage.

On Legal Authority and Historical Precedent

The rejoinder outlines a series of court decisions spanning over five decades that consistently affirm the primacy of the Buoye Omuso Brown Royal House in Finima’s leadership and ownership matters. These include PHC/174/1972 (Chief Samuel O. Tobin & Others v. Chief Israel I. Brown & Others, affirmed on appeal as FCA/E/60/1980), PHC/188/2010 (Chief Y.S. Tobin v. Chief Yibo Buowari Brown & Others), PHC/745/2012 (Chief Young Sunday Tobin & Others v. Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited & Others), and FHC/ABJ/CS/1419/2022 (Buoye Omuso (Brown) Major House v. Federal Minister of Petroleum Resources & Others, judgment delivered 15 September 2023).

All cases were decided in favour of the Brown House, establishing an unbroken judicial precedent. The Royal House asserts that the matter of its paramountcy is 'no longer a matter of debate' and invites the public to verify these rulings, including the Appeal Court's dismissal of Evans Clement Brown’s case and affirmation of Dagogo Lambert Brown as Paramount Ruler of Finima.

The Position of the Amadabo and Freedom of Association

Regarding the Amadabo of Finima, the Buoye Omuso Brown Royal House states categorically that he is not struggling under any process and rejects the notion of 'capitulation' as journalistic fiction. It further clarifies that Mr Evans Clements Buoye Brown is not legitimately linked to the Royal House, describing his purported installation as a sham exercise lacking both legitimacy and ancestral connection.

On freedom of association, the statement acknowledges Section 40 of the 1997 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) guarantees this right but emphasises it does not permit secession from communal structures or the criminal usurpation of established institutions. 'Freedom of association does not equate to anarchy,' the rejoinder reads, 'nor does it justify disobedience to valid court orders.'

Historical Context and Ongoing Concerns

The Royal House references the attack of 10 June 2021, when members of the Finima community peacefully protesting against NLNG negligence were assaulted by hoodlums allegedly sent and sponsored by Edward Asimini Dappa Pepple and his cohorts. Many were injured and property destroyed, yet no condemnation was issued by Kristina Reports, the Bonny Chiefs Council, or other voices now expressing outrage. This selective response, the statement argues, exposes hypocrisy and vested interests.

The Bonny Chiefs Council under Edward Asimini Dappa Pepple is accused of continually meddling in Finima affairs, fanning division for selfish gain. The Royal House contends that the council's true objective is not peace or unity in Bonny Local Government Area but to weaken Finima’s internal cohesion to divert proceeds belonging to the community—a betrayal of history and an affront to the dignity of Finima people.

Commitment to Peace and Call to Action

While reiterating its commitment to peace, unity, and lawful coexistence in Finima, the Buoye Omuso Brown Royal House stresses that peace cannot be built on lies, illegality, and impunity. It urges government institutions, security agencies, and the media to resist being misled by propaganda and instead uphold justice, truth, and fairness.

The conclusion dismisses the Kristina Reports publication in its entirety as 'baseless, concocted, and sponsored falsehood.' The facts, as stated, are that the September 27th incident involved Finima Opu-Ogbo and an injunction-restricted Tobin faction, the violence was self-inflicted by the splinter group’s reckless actions, the Amadabo remains the legitimate custodian of Finima heritage, and Edward Asimini Dappa Pepple and his council are identified as the true instigators of present unrest.

The Royal House calls on all well-meaning Finima sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, to reject the campaign of calumny, remain law-abiding, and place the interest of Finima above the selfish ambitions of a few.

What this means

The Buoye Omuso Brown Royal House’s rejoinder serves as a vital intervention in preserving the integrity of Finima’s historical narrative and communal harmony. By methodically addressing each allegation with reference to legal precedent and documented events, the statement seeks not only to correct the record but to reinforce the foundations of lawful governance and mutual respect within the community. For residents of Finima and the diaspora alike, the message is clear: unity and progress must be rooted in truth, not propaganda. As the community looks forward, the call to uphold justice, resist division, and prioritise the collective interest of Finima stands as both a reminder and a responsibility shared by all who cherish this historic kingdom.