Court: Ex‑Ayade Adviser calls for an end to Cocoa Conflict in C’River 

From Ene Asuquo,Calabar 

Ex-Special Adviser to immediate past governor of Cross River State  on Cocoa Development and Control, Oscar Ofuka, has  called for an end to further conflict in the cocoa sector,  urging listeners to let God take the centre stage in the sector.

Ofuka  made the appeal while speaking in an interview with our reporter shortly after a thanksgiving ceremony at the Presbyterian Church, Bendeghe –Ekiem, Etung local government area of Cross River State.

“For my brothers who had been daggers drawn with me, since I left office. Let’s  please bury the hatchet and forge ahead as one.

“I am alive today because of God. I am not a greedy man. I had no aita of power on my own. It was God Almighty who kept me alive. Let us not fight again. “Let’s put an end to this fighting and allow God to take the centre stage,” Ofuka added.

He  emphasized that the church had been his source of strength during the legal and political tussle  after his tenure as Adviser to Governor Ben Ayade ended in May 2023.

The former adviser, was  on November 20, 2025, cleared by the Cross River State High Court in suit No.HC/43C/2024 of criminal charges related to the Government Cocoa Estate after a fierce legal tussle with some few individuals in government and urged his  supporters to put their weight solidly behind the administration of Senator Bassey Otu who he described as a gentleman and  best person to lead the state.

Ofuka told the faithful that many of his difficulties stemmed from his determination to secure royalty payments for the Etung people. “I stood firm for the people of Etung and secured royalty for them, without any personal interest. Unfortunately this brought so much hatred for me.” he declared.

He recalled previous visits to the church, noting that he had organized seminars, prayer meetings and programs aimed at ending cultism, and claimed to have paid money to cult members who renounced their affiliations. 

“This church is very strong, very resilient and open,” he praised.
Addressing rumours of foreign travel, especially to India and the United States, Ofuka asserted, “Let me tell you that the church has been the source of my strength”. 

“I shall work with the leadership of the church to pull down this old roof and fix a new one.”

Reflecting on the court ruling, he expressed joy that the judgment vindicated him and called on opponents to return to the fold. 

“For my brothers and sisters who hated me because of cocoa, I welcome you back. I have forgiven those who brought me pain,” warning of rising banditry and urging vigilance. “We need to rise up and be vigilant. The men of God need to pray.”

He announced plans to complete a police station he started, saying, “I am going to put all that I have to ensure that we finish the police station so police can protect the community even when we are praying.” 

He also noted that cocoa royalties have been used to settle debts owed to landlords and affirmed, “There is enough cocoa for the Bendeghe people.” Ofuka maintained. 

He promised to work in peace and harmony if they are willing to work with him. We are all brothers and friends. We can still work together for the progress of the sector.