Cross River governor threatens to strip traditional rulers of titles over communal violence

Traditional rulers in Nigeria's Cross River State face the potential loss of their certificates of recognition if they fail to maintain peace within their domains. Governor Bassey Otu issued this stern warning, emphasizing that traditional institutions must shoulder greater responsibility for preventing violence and ensuring peaceful coexistence among neighboring communities.

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I want to say it here that the state government would withdraw certificates of recognition from traditional rulers whose domains slide into disorder. As a government, we would not continue to recognise any camp or faction that refuses to unite around a common representative.

The governor's directive came during the 21st edition of the Leboku International New Yam Festival in Ugep. His remarks were a direct response to a recent communal conflict between the Ugep and Idomi communities in the Yakurr Local Government Area, which reportedly led to the loss of lives. Governor Otu condemned the conflict as a "show of shame" and stressed that the state government would withdraw recognition from any traditional ruler whose domain descends into disorder.

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I wish to condemn in entirety the recent inter-communal war between Ugep and Idumi communities which led to the loss of precious lives in Yakurr Local Government Area. It is a ‘show of shame’ for us as a people.

Otu, represented by his Deputy Peter Odey, stated that the government would not continue to recognize any faction that refuses to unite around a common representative. He disclosed that the state had considered canceling the festival due to the crisis but decided against it to uphold the event's purpose of promoting peace and unity among the Yakurr people. The governor urged traditional rulers to intensify their conflict prevention efforts, holding them accountable for the security and peaceful coexistence of their communities.

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As traditional institutions, you are expected to shoulder greater responsibility [in] sustaining peaceful coexistence among neighbouring communities.