Governor Otu Takes Action: Two Traditional Leaders Removed Over Alleged Misconduct

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has dismissed two traditional rulers from their positions, a move confirmed in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gill Nsa.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Effective January 3, 2025, the governor suspended His Highness Okkn Archinong Eke, the village head of Esuk Utan, along with the entire Esuk Utan village council. He also directed the Calabar Municipal Traditional Rulers Council (CMTRC) to investigate allegations leveled against the village head and the council, mandating a report within one week.

In the meantime, the Obutong clan council has been instructed to form a five-member committee to manage the affairs of Esuk Utan during the investigation.

This is not Governor Otu’s first decisive action regarding traditional leadership. In April 2024, he dismissed His Royal Highness Etinyin Archibong Ita, head of Akansoko in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, after a dispute arose over the appointment of a Paramount Ruler for the region.

Etinyin Archibong Ita had argued that the appointment process lacked fairness and that the selection of a Paramount Ruler should have been decided by the clan heads. In response, Governor Otu appointed HRH Etinyin Francis Effiom Edem Efa, the Clan Head of Esuk Mba in Akpabuyo, to the role.