In a decisive move, the monarchs of the Mbume blocs of clans, encompassing Abia, Bendeghe Ekiem, and Etomi communities in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State, convened an emergency meeting on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the Abia community town hall.
The meeting was spurred by what the monarchs described as an “ill-advised and irresponsible conspiracy” to dethrone His Royal Majesty, Ntue-Atue (Dr.) Emmanuel Oru Ojong, the legally recognized Paramount Ruler of Etung LGA. Despite his previous suspension, Ojong was reinstated by a High Court judgment in Cross River State on March 23, 2023 (Suit No. HC/96/2022), pending his anticipated re-enthronement. This judgment, according to the monarchs, unequivocally reinstates Ojong’s position.
In light of these developments, the Mbume blocs of clans have resolved to denounce Clan Head Anthony Ntui Etta of Ajassor Community. The monarchs accuse Etta of a power-driven scheme to unlawfully replace the incumbent Paramount Ruler, defying the court’s judgment which nullifies any chieftaincy title he claims. They argue that Etta’s self-styled title of “acting paramount ruler” is not recognized by the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Edict No. 14 of 1978.
The monarchs further contend that any electoral process conducted outside the jurisdiction of Etung LGA is a direct violation of the aforementioned edict. Consequently, they dismiss any claims by Clan Head Etta of having been elected as the Paramount Ruler as invalid and fraudulent. They assert that such actions undermine the established legal and cultural frameworks of the state.
The Mbume blocs, which represent a significant majority of the population in Etung LGA, comprising four-fifths of its populace, stress that they cannot remain passive in the face of what they term as Etta’s “arrant aberrant insolence.” They view Etta’s actions as a blatant attempt to usurp power and destabilize the traditional leadership structure of the area.
The monarchs of the Mbume clans emphasize their collective determination to uphold their cultural values and resist any attempts to compromise their traditional institutions. They argue that allowing Etta’s actions to go unchallenged would set a dangerous precedent and undermine the authority of the rightful Paramount Ruler.
The declaration was signed by several notable clan heads, including HRH Ntufam Etta Edim Tawo, HRH Ntufam Obase Erim Obase, HRH Ntufam Tiku Takon Abang, HRH Ntufam Raphael Ekuri Agbor, HRH Ntufam Fabian Nkpa Etor, and HRH Ntufam Bernard Oyongha Akan, representing the Bendeghe Ekiem, Etomi, and Abia communities respectively.
Efforts to reach Clan Head Anthony Ntui Etta for his reaction were unsuccessful as the phone numbers available to our reporter were not connecting. However, we are continuing our efforts to obtain his response.
