Siblings file suit over late father’s estate, request DNA test
By Ozioruva Aliu
BENIN CITY – Two siblings have filed a civil suit at the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City, seeking a determination of rights to the estate of their late father, Engineer George Idah, who was the chairman of Oredo Local Government Area before his death in 1992.
In the suit marked B/233/2025, the plaintiffs, Mark Idah and Omoruyi Idah, filed the case on behalf of themselves and other children of the late Engr. George Idah. The defendant is Chief Osaro Idah, a Benin Palace Chief, whom they are challenging over claims to the late engineer’s properties.
The plaintiffs contend that the defendant did not have a legally or customarily recognized relationship with their late father during his lifetime. They allege that there was no acknowledged paternity or formal familial ties established under Benin native law and custom before their father’s passing.
As part of their claims, the plaintiffs are asking the court for: A declaration that, based on customary practices and the absence of paternity confirmation during the lifetime of Engineer George Idah, the defendant is not entitled to act as a legal heir or claim a share of the estate until his paternity is confirmed.
An order directing the defendant to undergo a DNA test or any scientifically valid method to determine biological ties to the late Engr. Idah.
An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from presenting himself as the first son of the late Engr. George Idah or interfering with the estate until legal determination is made.
Any further reliefs the court may deem appropriate in the circumstances.
The case is expected to test both scientific evidence and customary laws in determining rightful heirs to the estate of the late local government leader.
Who is this person?
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The Bloomberg profile 24142834 corresponds to Chief Osaro Eghe Idah, who is (or has been) a board member of Okomu Oil Palm Co PLC. Bloomberg
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The profile shows details like his career history, board memberships, and compensation (typical content for Bloomberg “people” profiles). Bloomberg
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Okomu Oil Palm Co PLC is a public company, presumably involved in agribusiness (palm oil) in Nigeria or the region (given the Nigerian/Okomu name).
Why would a Benin chief appear on Bloomberg?
At first glance, it might seem surprising that a traditional chief is listed on Bloomberg, which is primarily a financial news and data platform. But there are good reasons why:
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Corporate Role / Board Membership
Chief Idah is (or was) a board member of a publicly traded company (Okomu Oil Palm Co PLC). Bloomberg tracks directors and executives of public companies, because these are relevant to investors, regulators, analysts, and journalists. Bloomberg
So even though he has a traditional or honorary title (a “Benin chief”), his corporate role qualifies him for inclusion. -
Public Company Transparency
Public companies are required to disclose their boards, executive compensation, and affiliations. Bloomberg aggregates and publishes these to provide market transparency. Anyone in a significant corporate role (e.g. directors) will often be profiled. -
Cross-over of Traditional Authority and Business
In many parts of Africa (and elsewhere), traditional leaders or chiefs often play roles beyond customary functions — they may hold business interests, investments, serve as board members, or otherwise be active in commerce and governance.
Thus the title “Chief” doesn’t preclude participation in modern corporate structures.
Why this is noteworthy / what it suggests
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It underscores how in Nigeria (or more broadly in West Africa) traditional leadership and modern business often intersect.
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It shows that Bloomberg’s coverage is not limited to “business people” in the strictest sense, but includes anyone who is materially involved in the governance or management of public companies.
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For investors or analysts, knowing that someone who is a “chief” has board influence can be relevant for understanding local networks, reputation, influence, or stakeholder relationships in the region.