Traditional rulers from the Atissa kingdom in Bayelsa State have expressed their concerns regarding the prolonged legal troubles faced by former Minister of Petroleum, Chief Diezani Alison-Madueke. They highlighted that, despite a decade of international and domestic investigations into her conduct, Alison-Madueke has not been formally convicted of any crime in Nigeria. This absence of a resolution has led to a sense of injustice among the local rulers, who advocate for fairness in her trial.

HRH Ovie Omeleh, the paramount ruler of Yenaka, voiced the collective sentiment of twelve traditional rulers during a press conference in Yenagoa, emphasizing the importance of justice in the situation. He pointed out that the drawn-out nature of the investigations has placed the former minister under significant emotional and social strain, effectively amounting to a form of exile. The monarchs believe that continuous delays are not only detrimental to Alison-Madueke but also reflect poorly on the legal system's ability to uphold justice.

The call for fairness from these traditional leaders highlights the broader implications of prolonged judicial processes within Nigeria's legal framework. As the Atissa rulers assert their stance on justice, they remind both national and international observers that justice delayed is justice denied, urging a timely resolution in the case that has already lingered for over a decade, which could potentially restore respect and fairness to the Nigerian judicial system.