Reinstate Our Supreme Monarch for Peace to Prevail, Mbume Clans Urge Cross River Government

The Crisis Management Committee of the Mbume bloc of clans in Etung Local Government Area, Cross River State, has issued a call for the immediate restoration of the suspended Paramount Ruler, HRM Ntufam Dr. Emmanuel Oru-Ojong.

The committee’s chairman, Ntufam Odu Ndep Moses, made this demand in Calabar, emphasizing that the protracted dispute over the throne of Etung can only be resolved by reinstating the rightful monarch.

The committee further implored the state government to initiate legal proceedings against the Clan Head of Ajassor community, Ntufam Anthony Ntui Eta, accusing him of contravening a High Court ruling which, they assert, had identified him as an impostor.

Comprised of the Abia, Bendeghe Ekiem, and Etomi communities, the Mbume bloc maintained that the establishment of an “acting paramount ruler” is contrary to Etung tradition. They pointed to the judgment in suit No. HC/96/2022, delivered by Justice Elias Abuo, which had settled the matter by affirming Oru-Ojong as the legitimate ruler and restraining Ntui Eta.

“The government must honor the court’s decision and compel Ntufam Anthony Ntui Eta to relinquish the throne so that peace may return to Etung,” the committee declared. “Disregarding the court order demands justice. Only with Dr. Oru-Ojong’s reinstatement will order be restored within the traditional institution.”

The group made a direct appeal to Governor Bassey Otu to act promptly, underscoring their esteem for his administration and belief that his intervention would uphold the rule of law.

“As civilized and law-abiding citizens, we do not anticipate any segment of society to defy the High Court’s ruling,” the chairman added. “The government, as an arbiter, should recognize the judiciary and enforce its judgment.”

However, when reached by phone, the Clan Head of Ajassor and acting paramount ruler of Etung, Ntufam Anthony Ntui Eta, dismissed the agitation, stating he had not received any formal notice demanding his removal.

“No one has formally requested my dethronement,” he remarked. “You cannot shave a man’s beard in his absence. Matters of this nature cannot be casually discussed over the telephone.”