Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has warned traditional rulers across the state that they risk losing their certificates of recognition if they allow violence and communal unrest to persist in their domains.
Otu issued the warning on Monday at the 21st edition of the Leboku International New Yam Festival held at the Yakurr Peace Stadium, Ugep. He condemned the recent deadly clash between Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area, which reportedly claimed lives. The governor described the conflict as an unacceptable “show of shame,” stressing that communal violence could undermine peace, tourism and economic development in the state.
He said the government had contemplated cancelling the 2026 Leboku festival following the crisis but decided against it because such a move would defeat the festival’s core objective of promoting peace, unity and brotherhood among the Yakurr people. “I wish to condemn in entirety the recent inter-communal war between Ugep and Idumi communities, which led to the loss of precious lives,” Otu said.
Addressing the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, the governor questioned how the crisis was allowed to escalate despite the traditional institution’s responsibility for maintaining peace. He urged him to exercise greater authority over his subjects and prevent a recurrence.
Otu also warned that the state government would not continue to recognise rival factions or camps that refuse to unite around a common traditional representative. He charged traditional rulers across the state to intensify efforts to prevent conflicts, stressing that they would be held accountable for the security and peaceful coexistence of residents within their domains.
