By Sostenus Wilherm
The Ovaherero paramount chieftaincy dispute is set to return to court on 5 May 2026, as behind-the-scenes efforts for dialogue continue amid rising legal and financial pressure as well as an alleged clandestine strategy to nullify the 2023 Otjimbingwe electoral process.
Senior traditional leaders have confirmed renewed developments in which one of the claimants to the paramount chieftaincy Mutjinde Katjiua, has made attempts to engage a rival faction under Chief Vipuira Kapuuo, chairperson of the OvaHerero Traditional Authority (OTA), allegedly in pursuit of an out-of-court settlement.
These efforts include an outreach to structures linked to Kapuuo’s camp, and predominantly the rival claimant to the paramount chieftaincy Hoze Riruako, as well as discussions involving intermediaries said to have visited the OTA chairperson at his homestead in Ovitoto.
Katjiua is further said to have dispatched a delegation, reportedly including Mac Hengari and Vehaka Tjimune, to explore possible reconciliation with the opposing group and confirmed such efforts in a widely circulating audio, which he has not disputed to date.
In the audio, the Katjiua can be heard urging members of the OvaHerero community to raise funds in preparation of the court case. In response to detailed questions from Confidente dated 28 April 2026, Katjiua declined to comment, stating that he had no time to respond.
The media inquiry had sought clarification on several issues, the purpose of the delegation to the rival camp, and whether renewed calls for dialogue were linked to mounting legal costs estimated to around N$8 million.
The questions also raised whether such developments amount to a withdrawal from the court case or an indication of “throwing in the towel,” as well as concerns over possible attempts to revisit or nullify earlier electoral outcomes within the OTA which elected Riruako in Otjimbingwe in 2023.
At the Otjimbingwe meeting, Riruako was elected at paramount chief-designate after beating politicians McHenry Venaani and Mike Kavakotora. However, it has now emerged that the group that support Venaani’s bid, while under Kapuoo’s camp, has now created a clique with the faction under Katjiua, in pushing for an out-of-court settlement and a rerun of the Otjimbingwe elections.
While Katjiua has remained silent on these matters, the opposing side has taken a firm public stance in favour of continuing with litigation.
On the other hand, Riruako said the court case is the continuation of a matter that began last year and was postponed allowing proceedings to continue this year. He stated that the case is expected to reach its final trial phase.
According to Riruako, his legal team and witnesses are fully prepared for trial, adding that the case was previously indicated by the court to be reaching its concluding stage.
He stressed that his side is “set and ready to go,” following consultations with legal representatives and witnesses.
Riruako also addressed reports of attempts by Katjiua’s faction to pursue an out-of-court settlement, confirming that he had been informed of alleged outreach efforts and added that previous as well as recent attempts at dialogue had been rejected.
He explained that his faction declined engagement primarily due to the existence of an active court case, cautioning that any discussions outside formal legal channels could prejudice proceedings.
He further argued that his camp believes it has a strong case, stating that the matter was taken to court precisely because customary procedures were allegedly not followed by the opposing side.
Riruako maintained that the leadership structures under his authority, including the OTA leadership framework, had resolved not to pursue out-of-court settlement. He further emphasised that prior internal consultations consistently supported proceeding through judicial determination.
On allegations of internal divisions and competing alignments, Riruako acknowledged the existence of differing views but dismissed them as minor and not destabilising. He insisted that leadership structures are in place to manage internal dissent and reaffirmed confidence in his legitimacy following the Otjimbingwe election process, which he said confirmed his leadership with a decisive majority.
He also rejected suggestions that the Otjimbingwe elections could be nullified or repeated, describing such proposals as “wishful thinking” and affirming that the process is “done and dusted.”
Meanwhile, Venaani said: “I have demonstrated my democratic credentials to accept the outcome of paramount chief Riruako’s victory and I have left the matter right there. The OTA senate is 95 percent Nudo members, so how can I have an active group of mine?” questioned Venaani.
“On popular vote amongst the community in general very few people can compete with me as my numbers are unprecedented. I am attacked from any ankle on social media from all these factions and it is based on my influence amongst the people.”
According to Venaani he has demonstrated support for Riruako and that he is the most inactive member despite the elders urging us to be close to the “Chief ”.
“If the community needs me to assist in meaningful dialogue I could consider. I am not really clued up with current dynamics and do not understand how people that supports me are active? In what sense if there is legal dispute?”
Kapuuo on his part, did not respond to questions sent to him and his phone went unanswred.
However, sources within the OTA has informed Confidente that Kapuuo is not oppossed to the dialogue and is of the strong conviction that the matter can be resolved amicably.
Furthermore, it is believed that Kapuuo is yet to pronounce himself on the request by Katjiua’s faction to have the Otjimbingwe elections nullified.
