Nigeria: Otu threatens to strip traditional rulers of recognition

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has warned traditional rulers that they risk losing their certificates of recognition if peace breaks down in their domains.

The governor issued the warning on Monday while speaking at the 21st edition of the Leboku International New Yam Festival held at the Yakurr Peace Stadium in Ugep. He was represented by his Deputy, Hon. Peter Odey.

Otu condemned the recent communal conflict between Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area, which led to the loss of lives.

“I wish to condemn in its entirety the recent inter-communal war between Ugep and Idomi communities, which led to the loss of precious lives,” the governor said.

“To the warring communities and other Yakurr communities which may have aligned with the combatants, I condemn this in its entirety. It was indeed a show of shame.”

He disclosed that the state government considered cancelling this year’s Leboku festival because of the crisis. The decision was reversed to protect the festival’s purpose of promoting peace, unity and brotherhood among the Yakurr people

The governor said traditional institutions must take greater responsibility for maintaining peace in their communities, especially after the Ugep-Idomi violence.

Addressing the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, Otu questioned how the crisis was allowed to escalate.

“Your 11 years of reign on the throne of your forefathers have so far been peaceful and impactful,” Otu said. “What went wrong beyond your control this time? As the head of the entire Yakurr nation, you must control your subjects.”

While commending Eteng’s years on the throne, the governor urged him to tighten control and ensure such violence does not recur.

Otu extended the warning to village heads, clan heads and other recognized traditional authorities across the state.

“The state government will therefore not fail to withdraw the certificate of recognition from any royal father where there is a breakdown of peace in his domain,” he declared. “Tourism cannot thrive in a volatile and chaotic environment.”

He emphasized that preserving peace, customs and tradition remains central to the role of traditional rulers The governor also addressed another dispute in Yakurr LGA, the leadership tussle in Agoi Ibami community.

He announced that the state government would withhold recognition from any of the factions involved until the matter is resolved peacefully.

“We will not lend government legitimacy to division,” Otu said through his deputy. “Communities must settle leadership issues through dialogue, not conflict.

Despite the tensions, the Leboku festival held as scheduled. The event, which marks the new yam harvest, is one of the biggest cultural gatherings in Cross River and attracts visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.

Otu said cancelling it would have sent the wrong message and undermined efforts to promote unity.

Leboku is about peace, unity and brotherhood among the Yakurr people,” he said. “We will not allow a few acts of violence to destroy what generations have built.”

The governor called on community leaders, youth groups and stakeholders to work with government and security agencies to prevent future clashes.

He added that government will continue to support cultural festivals as tools for peacebuilding and economic development, but only in environments where lives and property are safe.