A Supreme Court judgement has brought finality to years of litigation over the leadership and governance of the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority (OTA).

The Court upheld the High Court judgement in favour of the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority, finding that the then Urban and Rural Development Minister, Erastus Uutoni, had acted unlawfully by failing to afford the authority a fair hearing and by not properly considering previous court decisions.

The Supreme Court held that establishing competing traditional authorities over the same traditional community is inconsistent with the Traditional Authorities Act.

It warned that such arrangements could undermine orderly governance and contribute to conflict and instability.

The Court found that Erastus Uutoni acted unlawfully by failing to afford the OTA a fair hearing, and he did not properly consider previous decisions and was affected by serious procedural irregularities.

The judgement further confirms the OTA's recognised jurisdiction in the Epukiro, Eiseb and Rietfontein areas and reaffirms earlier court findings, including the 2014 confirmation of Chief Kilus Karaerua Munjuku III Nguvauva's lawful designation. 

The Authority called on government ministries, regional councils, local authorities and other public institutions to align their engagements with the ruling and the law.

The OTA described the judgement as a victory for the Constitution, the rule of law and orderly traditional governance.

The Authority urged reconciliation and unity within the Ovambanderu community, saying the ruling should strengthen lawful traditional institutions, protect cultural heritage and support peaceful coexistence.