Mr. Lucky Ibomhen, a staff member of MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, has filed a lawsuit against his employer, accusing the company of failing to engage in arbitration despite a court order issued in April 2022. Ibomhen alleges that MRS Oil Nigeria Plc abandoned the process after initially requesting arbitration to address the dispute.
In addition to the legal action against his employer, Ibomhen has also sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in suit No FHC/B/CS/14/2022. The lawsuit seeks compensation for Ibomhen and another individual over alleged infringement on their fundamental human rights by the anti-graft agency in connection with the ongoing dispute.
The dispute between Ibomhen and MRS Oil began with a court order issued by Justice Helen Courage-Ogbebor of the Edo State High Court on April 1, 2022. The court granted an order of stay of proceedings based on the defendants’ application for the parties to submit to arbitration, as provided in clause 26 of the agreement between the parties.
However, in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of MRS Oil by Ibomhen’s counsel, M.O. Iguodala, concerns were raised about the lack of progress in initiating the arbitration process. The letter expressed disappointment that the company had not taken steps to activate the constitution of arbitrators, as required by the Arbitration and Reconciliation Act, despite being the party that initially requested arbitration.
“We believe that the board is fully aware of this matter, armed with our innocent belief, we decided to let the board know that time is of the essence in this matter so that a timely resolution can be achieved soonest,” the letter stated.
The legal actions underscore the urgency for a resolution to the dispute and adherence to the court’s order for arbitration. The case also highlights the complexities involved when parties resort to legal measures to address grievances within employment relationships.
