Ofuka Calls For End To Cocoa Conflict In Cross River

Former special adviser to ex‑Gov. Ben Ayade on Cocoa Development and Control, Ntufam Dr. Oscar Ofuka, has called for an end to further conflict in the cocoa sector.

Ofuka made the appeal while speaking in an interview with LEADERSHIP shortly after a thanksgiving ceremony at the Presbyterian Church, Bendeghe –Ekiem, Etung local government area in Cross River State.

“For my brothers who had been at dagger drawn with me, since I left office. Let’s please bury the hatchet and forge ahead as one.

“I am alive today because of God. I am not a greedy man. I had no power on my own. It was God Almighty who kept me alive. Let us not fight again. “Let’s put an end to this fighting and allow God to take the centre stage,” Ofuka added.

He emphasized that the church had been his source of strength during the legal and political tussle after his tenure as Adviser to Governor Ben Ayade ended in May 2023.

The former adviser, was on November 20, 2025, cleared by the Cross River State High Court in suit No.HC/43C/2024 of criminal charges related to the Government Cocoa Estate.

Ofuka told the faithful that many of his difficulties stemmed from his determination to secure royalty payments for the Etung people. “I stood firm for the people of Etung and secured royalty for them, without any personal interest. Unfortunately this brought so much hatred for me,” he declared.

He recalled previous visits to the church, noting that he had organized seminars, prayer meetings and programmes aimed at ending cultism, and claimed to have paid money to cult members who renounced their affiliations.

“This church is very strong, very resilient and open,” he praised.

Addressing rumours of foreign travel, especially to India and the United States, Ofuka asserted, “Let me tell you that the church has been the source of my strength”.

“I shall work with the leadership of the church to pull down this old roof and fix a new one.”

Reflecting on the court ruling, he expressed joy that the judgement vindicated him and called on opponents to return to the fold.

“For my brothers and sisters who hated me because of cocoa, I welcome you back. I have forgiven those who brought me pain,” warning of rising banditry and urging vigilance. “We need to rise up and be vigilant. The men of God need to pray.”

He announced plans to complete a police station he started, saying, “I am going to put all that I have to ensure that we finish the police station so that police can protect the community even when we are praying.”

He also noted that cocoa royalties have been used to settle debts owed to landlords and affirmed, “There is enough cocoa for the Bendeghe people.”