Gov. Otu dethrones Monarch over alleged misconduct in Cross River

From Ene Asuquo,Calabar 

Cross River State Governor  Bassey Otu, has dethroned Ntufam Linus Effiong Oben Tabi as the village head of Mbot Akpa and Ekinta Clan in Akamkpa local government area of the state.

The decision follows allegations of misconduct, including false claims and impersonation against the dethroned monarch.

Findings  from the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs, Tabi allegedly obtained a certificate of recognition for Mbot Akpa village, which is not recognized in the Cross River State Edict No. 1 (Clan Creation) 1996. 

It was also discovered that Tabi was simultaneously serving as the clan head of two clans in different local government areas in the state, an act deemed criminal by his detractors.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, Otuekong Sir Francis A. Edet, confirmed the decertification, citing the need to maintain peace and stability in the community. 

The governor’s decision was based on a petition by five traditional rulers from the Ekonganaku Traditional Rulers Council.

The decertification letter stated that Tabi’s certificate was obtained under false pretenses and that the village of Mbot Akpa is not gazetted in the state edict. 

The letter also noted that the village of Esuk Effiom Iyaweh in Iko Eneyo Clan, Akpabuyo Local Government Area, is the same as Mbot Akpa village, and that Tabi’s actions were an attempt to trickishly gain recognition.

The governor’s office has withdrawn Tabi’s certificate of recognition and declared that he should cease parading himself as the clan head of Ekinta Clan in Akamkpa Local Government Area.

But in  a swift reaction by the alleged  de-certified monarch, Tabi said, ” I have nothing to say for now because I am yet to be served with any letter. 
” Once am served with the letter if the law says it’s right no problem In an eventuality where the law says it’s wrong,I will know what to do”. He maintained.

Counsel to the alleged monarch, Osim  said his client was still in charge stressing that his client had in the past won cases related to the issue adding that he is still in charge.

Osim stated that his client, HRH Tabi has recognition and certificated chief from Mbot Akpa village in Ekinta Clan, Akamkpa local government areas and has nothing to do with Esuk Effiong Iyaweh in Ikot Eneyo Clan,  Akpabuyo local government