Governor Otu Dethrones Village Head

Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu, has removed Ntufam Linus Effiong Oben Tabi as the village head of Mbot Akpa and Ekinta Clan in Akamkpa local government area.

The decision followed misconduct allegations, including false claims and impersonation, against the dethroned monarch.

Findings from the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs revealed that Tabi allegedly obtained a certificate of recognition for Mbot Akpa village, which is not recognised in the Cross River State Edict No. 1 (Clan Creation) 1996.

It was also discovered that Tabi was simultaneously serving as the head of two clans in different local government areas in the state, an act deemed criminal by his detractors.

The special adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, Otuekong Francis Edet, confirmed the monarch’s decertification, citing the need to maintain peace and stability in the community.

The governor’s decision was based on a petition by five traditional rulers from the Ekonganaku Traditional Rulers Council.

The decertification letter stated that Tabi’s certificate was obtained under false pretences and that the village of Mbot Akpa is not gazetted in the state edict.

The letter also noted that the village of Esuk Effiom Iyaweh in Iko Eneyo Clan, Akpabuyo local government area, is the same as Mbot Akpa Village and that Tabi’s actions were an attempt to gain recognition by trickery.

But in a swift reaction, the dethroned monarch said, ” I have nothing to say for now because I am yet to be served with any letter. Once I am served with the letter, if the law says it’s right, no problem. In an eventuality where the law says it’s wrong, I will know what to do,” he said.