By Edem Ekpo
The Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Chieftaincy Affairs, Otuekong Sir Francis Edet, has applauded the state government’s deliberate efforts to restore dignity, order, and sanity to traditional institutions across Cross River State.
Sir Edet made the commendation in Calabar shortly after Governor Otu formally presented the Staff of Office, Certificates of Recognition, and official vehicles to the newly elected Paramount Rulers of Yala Local Government Area, HRM Ogamode Eje Ipuole, and Akpabuyo Local Government Area, HRM Etinyin Francis Edem Efa.
He described the gesture as a clear demonstration of the Otu-led administration’s commitment to strengthening the traditional institution as a critical partner in grassroots governance, peacebuilding, and cultural preservation.
“By recognizing our royal fathers and providing them with the necessary tools to function, Governor Otu has once again shown that his administration values tradition as a pillar of governance and development,” the Special Adviser stated.
Sir Edet further hinted at government’s plans for sweeping reforms in the chieftaincy sector to sanitize the system, particularly in the official recognition of clan and village heads. According to him, the process has in the past been “bastardized and politicized, leading to avoidable legal tussles that embarrassed government and instigated crises with dire consequences.”
Governor Otu, during the ceremony, charged the monarchs to be vanguards of peace, security, and cultural values, stressing that their installation goes beyond symbolism and represents a call to service.
The Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi V, lauded the Governor for restoring dignity to the traditional stool and called on the new monarchs to uphold unity of purpose.
“Governor Otu has rekindled hope in our traditional institution by according it the respect and recognition it deserves. I urge our royal fathers to embrace unity and restore the rich historical respect and collective voice that our people have long clamoured for — a respect that is synonymous with traditional institutions in other states and must be revived here in Cross River,” the Obong declared.
In a vote of thanks , the Paramount Ruler of Yala, HRM Ogamode Eje Ipuole, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Governor Bassey Otu
“We are deeply grateful to His Excellency for finding us worthy of this honour. The presentation of the Staff of Office and official vehicles will enable us to function more effectively. We assure the government of our unalloyed loyalty and commit to promoting peace, harmony, and development in our communities,” he stated.
The event also featured goodwill remarks from the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Ovai Solomon Edward, who commended the administration’s reforms in the traditional institution and reaffirmed the Council’s support for the state government.