Mbube Clans Urge Cross River Government to Reinstate Paramount Ruler to Restore Peace

The Crisis Management Committee of the Mbume bloc in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State has called for the immediate reinstatement of the suspended Paramount Ruler, His Royal Majesty Ntufam Dr. Emmanuel Oru-Ojong.

Speaking at a press briefing in Calabar, Chairman of the committee, Ntufam Odu Ndep Moses, stated that the prolonged leadership dispute in Etung can only be resolved if the rightful monarch is restored to his position.

The Mbume bloc, comprising the Abia, Bendeghe Ekiem, and Etomi communities, also demanded legal action against the Clan Head of Ajassor, Ntufam Anthony Ntui Eta, whom they accuse of flouting a High Court ruling that allegedly declared him an impostor.

They pointed to a judgment in suit No. HC/96/2022, delivered by Justice Elias Abuo, which affirmed Oru-Ojong as the substantive paramount ruler and restrained Ntui Eta from parading himself as such.

“The creation of an ‘acting paramount ruler’ is alien to our tradition and customs,” the committee said. “The government must uphold the court’s ruling and compel Ntufam Anthony Ntui Eta to vacate the throne so that peace and order can return to Etung.”

The committee appealed to Governor Bassey Otu to intervene swiftly, expressing confidence in his administration’s commitment to justice and the rule of law.

“As law-abiding citizens, we expect that no one should act in defiance of a valid court judgment. The government, as the custodian of law and order, must recognize and enforce the ruling of the judiciary,” Ndep Moses stated.

When contacted by phone, Ntufam Anthony Ntui Eta, the Clan Head of Ajassor and acting paramount ruler of Etung, dismissed the calls for his removal, saying he had not received any formal communication on the matter.

“No one has officially written to me regarding any dethronement,” he said. “You cannot shave a man’s beard in his absence. Such issues cannot be addressed casually over the phone.”