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The long-running legal battle between the National Association of Jukun Wanu (NAJUWA) and the Benue State Government along with five others experienced another setback on Thursday, May 14, 2026, as the court session could not proceed.
According to an update shared by Adikwu Egwa Moses, the presiding judge was not on seat, leading to a fresh adjournment. A new date has now been fixed for June 29, 2026, for the matter to be heard.
The case, which has dragged on for years, centres on allegations of marginalisation, discrimination, and exclusion of the Jukun-Wanu people in Benue State. NAJUWA is seeking redress and has reportedly demanded significant damages over what it describes as prolonged acts of injustice against the ethnic group.
In his message to supporters, Adikwu Egwa Moses acknowledged the frustration that comes with repeated postponements, noting that every delay feels like a deliberate obstacle when fighting for a believed mandate. However, he emphasised that delay does not equate to denial.
Citing Section 36(1) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), he reminded followers that every person is entitled to a fair hearing within a reasonable time by a court or tribunal established by law. He stressed that while courts have a duty to avoid unnecessary delays, legitimate adjournments are part of the judicial process.
Adikwu urged members of the Jukun Wanu community not to lose heart, describing justice as something that “may bend, but it will not break.” He encouraged them to remain steadfast, stating that the mandate they are defending will eventually have its day in court.
“God’s appointed time cannot be skipped by any man, any tactic, or any delay,” he added, invoking motivational sayings such as “the night is longest just before the dawn” and “justice delayed is justice deferred, not justice denied.”
The development comes amid ongoing tensions and debates surrounding ethnic representation, chieftaincy matters, and governance inclusivity in Benue State. Supporters of the Jukun Wanu cause have been urged to keep faith in the judicial system as the only avenue for a final and legitimate resolution.
As the case heads toward the new June date, many in the Jukun community are watching closely, hoping that the matter will finally receive the full attention it deserves without further avoidable setbacks.
