The Crisis Management Committee of Mbume Blocks of Clans in Etung local government area of Cross River State has called for the immediate reinstatement of the suspended paramount ruler, Dr. Emmanuel Oru-Ojong.
The chairman of the crises management committee, Ntufam Odu Ndep Moses, made the demand while reacting on the issue during an interactive session with LEADERSHIP in Calabar.
The committee also demanded the prosecution of the Clan Head of Ajassor Community, Ntufam Anthony Ntui Eta, for defying a court order.
Mbume Blocks of Clans which comprise of Abia, Bendeghe Ekiem and Etomi communities in the LGA said it is only when the suspended paramount ruler whom they know as the substantive paramount ruler is reinstated that the uproar in the traditional institution can come to an end.
The committee urged the state government to expedite action in reinstating His Royal Majesty (HRM) Ntufam Dr Emmanuel Oru- -Ojong and prosecution of Clan Head of Ajassor, for defying a perpetual injunction order issued by the High Court of Cross River State.
The committee emphasised the need for the government to respect the court’s decision and compel His Royal Highness (HRH), Ntufam Anthony Ntui Eta to vacate the throne so that peace can return back to the LGA.
The dispute revolves around the paramount rulership of Etung local government area, with HRM Dr. Oru-Ojong who is the substantive paramount ruler.
The committee argued that the concept of an acting paramount ruler is alien in the tradition of Etung people stressing that the court in suit No. HC/96/2022 presided over by Hon. Justice Elias Abuo, has already given judgement on the matter and declared Ntufam Anthony Ntui Eta an impostor.
The group’s demands highlighted the need for the administration of Governor Bassey Otu which the Mbume blocks of clans has so much respect for, to intervene and restore order in the traditional institution, by reinstating the substantive paramount ruler, HRM Dr. Oru-Ojong and prosecute Ntufam Anthony Ntui Eta.
The group stated that it’s only when that is done that the government is said to uphold the rule of law and respect for the court’s decision.
“Such defiance calls for appropriate process of justice. I am not only calling for immediate reinstatement of Oru Ojong alone.
“I am calling for prosecution of Anthony Ntui Eta for defying the perpetual injunction order of the court which declared him as impostor.
“Our candid appeal to the state governor, is to expedite the reinstatement and practicalizing it, organizing a formal resumption of duties of the substantive paramount ruler. And that will end all the uproar.
” As civilized and law abiding citizens of the nation, we don’t expect any segment of the society to go against the ruling of the high court. Justice must take it course.
“The arbiter should be the government. The arbiter who is the government supposed to recognize the other arm of government which is the judiciary,” he maintained.
But in a swift reaction to the issue during a telephone conversation, Clan Head of Ajassor, and acting paramount ruler of Etung local government, Ntufam Anthony Ntui Eta, said that he is not aware of the agitation for his dethronement from any quarter.
“No one has written to me asking for my removal. You cannot shave a man’s beard in his absence. You cannot talk to me on telephone on a matter like this”, he insisted.
