Distrust, disunity and quarrels have erupted among traditional rulers in Akpabuyo LGA of Cross River State.
Over the weekend, there was an altercation between two contenders over the position of paramount ruler of Akpabuyo
This follows the appointment of Etinyin Francis Effiom Edem, clan head of Esuk Mba, as acting paramount ruler by the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu on August 18, 2024, via a press statement signed by Gill Nsa, chief press secretary to Gov Bassey Otu.
This appointment follows the passage of HRH Lawrence Edet, former acting paramount ruler, who was kidnapped in mid December 2023, and rescued four days later by the Nigerian Navy. He, however died not too long perhaps due to the kidnap trauma.
One of the strong contenders for the position, HRH Archibong Ita who is clan head of Akansoko in the same LGA said the governor did not do necessary consultations before appointing HRH Francis Effiom.
He said he and other contenders have rejected such imposition by the government.
He disclosed that many of the clan heads had bought intent forms as directed by government at N100,000 each, screened and were only waiting for verification and election of a new paramount ruler amongst the few qualified.
According to him, HRH Francis Effiom refused to buy the form or be screened, saying the people love him and will always go for him.
He further stated that three persons from the same axis of Esuk Mba have so far occupied the position of paramount ruler whereas it was supposed to be rotational amongst the 15 clans of Akpabuyo LGA.
“Ideally, it was the turn of my Akansoko clan, but we were very surprised when some relatives of Francis Effiom in Otu’s government misled the state governor to appoint him as acting paramount ruler.
“When the former acting paramount ruler died a few months ago, the government asked those of us eligible for the position to buy forms. We bought it, but Francis Effiom refused to buy. We were screened, and two of us were shortlisted. He was not.
“We had told the secretary of the Akpabuyo traditional rulers council, one Mr Effiom, to hold the fort until we were able to meet and conclude the selection of a new paramount ruler. Suddenly, the governor announced somebody who is not eligible without consultation.
“This appointment cannot stand because he is from same area that has produced three before. It is supposed to be the turn of my clan to produce a paramount ruler.
“Other clan heads are equally opposed to the governor’s announcement. He didn’t consult us but relied on his aides, who are relatives of the appointee.”
In an interview, the appointee himself said, “The governor did not consult me, but I am very happy that he has appointed me. As you may know, I am the most qualified clan head for the position and the people want me. Only two people out of 12 are aggrieved.”
This Akpabuyo traditional rulers crisis has increased unrest among the Southern Senatorial District traditional institution in the state.
The Obong of Calabar imbroglio between former finance minister in late General Sani Abacha’s government, Chief Anthony Ani and incumbent has persisted for over 15 years. Even when the state governor has intervened, ordering an end to the continual desecration of the revered Efuk Throne, Ani has returned to court, insisting that he is the authentic Obong of Calabar.
The other is that of Prof Hogan Itam, who was sacked by former governor, Prof Ben Ayade for attending a political party, which Governor Otu has reinstated but with a strange title, ‘Paramount Ruler of the Efuts’ because another person is already Paramount Ruler of Calabar South LGA where the Efuts belong.
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