The Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice Senyo Dzamefe JA, has ruled that Michael Amu Dodoo lacks the legal capacity to initiate a lawsuit on behalf of the Dodoo Clottey Family of Pokuase.
The ruling was delivered during an application for a stay of execution filed by Michael Amu Dodoo in suit No. H3/176/25, titled Michael Nii Amu Dodoo v. Brainsfield Ltd & 3 Others.
The case stems from a legal battle between Michael Amu Dodoo and Brainsfield Limited over the management of the Dodoo Clottey Family lands at ACP Estates.
Initially, Dodoo claimed to be the appointed authorized representative of the family but later amended his designation to head of the family.
However, the High Court had previously issued an injunction restraining him from holding himself out as head of the family, affirming that Grace Darkua Dodoo rightfully holds that position.
Dodoo had applied for an order at the High Court to restrain Brainsfield Limited from executing its mandate of protecting the family’s lands.
His request was denied, prompting him to appeal the decision at the Court of Appeal.
During the hearing, the Court of Appeal observed that Dodoo did not dispute the fact that Grace Darkua Dodoo is the legitimate head of the family.
Furthermore, he failed to demonstrate that she had neglected her duty to protect the family’s property.
Based on these findings, the Court ruled that Dodoo lacked the legal capacity to act on behalf of the family and subsequently dismissed his application for a stay of execution, describing it as incompetent.
In a surprising turn of events, the Court also noted that Michael Amu Dodoo is a convict who has evaded serving his prison sentence.
Despite being the subject of a bench warrant for his arrest, he has continued to file legal applications and personally submit affidavits in the very courts whose orders he has failed to obey.
Expressing strong disapproval of this conduct, the Court nearly sanctioned his lawyer, Marcel Kofi Agbedzinu, for failing to advise his client to comply with the court’s orders before filing new applications.
The lawyer, however, was let off after issuing a profuse apology to the Court.
This ruling solidifies Grace Darkua Dodoo’s position as the legitimate head of the Dodoo Clottey Family and reinforces the authority of Brainsfield Limited in managing the family’s lands.
The Court’s strong stance against non-compliance with its orders also serves as a warning to litigants who attempt to manipulate legal proceedings while disregarding judicial authority.
