Cross River oil wells dispute faces legal skepticism. Experts say reversing 2012 Supreme Court ruling is unlikely, despite governor’s push and alleged fresh evidence

Cross River oil wells dispute has resurfaced in national debate as legal experts cast doubt over any possible reversal of the 2012 Supreme Court ruling that awarded 76 disputed oil wells to Akwa Ibom State.

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The renewed controversy follows recent remarks by Cross River Governor Bassey Otu, who hinted at his administration’s intention to recover the oil-rich territories lost over a decade ago. The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on May 12, 2012, has stood as precedent ever since.

Supporters of the governor’s stance claim that fresh evidence has emerged which may justify reopening the case. However, seasoned legal minds are urging caution.

Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, a former presidential aide, described the likelihood of overturning the ruling as slim.

“Applications to reverse Supreme Court decisions are rarely successful,” he said, warning that even new evidence must meet a high threshold of relevance and uniqueness.

He emphasized that such evidence must not only be significant enough to alter the outcome but also must have been unobtainable during the original proceedings despite reasonable diligence.

Justice Osai Ahiakwo, a public affairs analyst, took a slightly more optimistic tone, arguing that the Supreme Court can revisit its own decisions in exceptional circumstances.

Referencing constitutional and procedural provisions, Ahiakwo noted that issues such as procedural errors or radically changed circumstances could form a valid basis for appeal.

Still, both experts agree that without compelling, admissible new material, the Cross River oil wells dispute may remain a closed chapter in Nigeria’s legal history.

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Meanwhile, Akwa Ibom State has stood its ground. A recent statement from the state government insisted that the oil wells in question do not belong to Cross River and that the court’s ruling remains valid.