Less than two years in office, Gov Bassey Otu of Cross River State has removed two traditional rulers from office.
Yesterday, he suspended the village head of Esuk Utan, His Highness Okkn Archinong Eke with entire Esuk Utan village council effective 3rd January 2025.
No reasons were given for the action in a letter signed by his Chief press Secretary, Gill Nsa.
However, the governor has mandated the Calabar Municipal Traditional Rulers Council, CMTRC, to investigate the allegations labeled against the village head and the council.
The CMTRC has been directed to submit its findings not later than one week.
But in the meantime, the governor has directed the Obutong clan council to set up a 5-man committee to manage affairs of the Esul Utan community pending outcome of the investigation.
It would be recalled that in April 2024, the governor had ordered the removal of the head of Akansoko in Akpabuyo LGA, His Royal Highness Etinyin Archibong Ita who had acted when the former Paramount Ruler passed on.
The monarch had protested, saying the governor was wrong to select a Paramount Ruler for the area.
He insisted that the clan heads were supposed to meet and select one from among themselves to assume the position.
He said this did not happen and the selection of acting Paramount Ruler by the governor was devoid of equity.
Otu in a statement signed by NSA had rather appointed the Clan Head of Esuk Mba Clan in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, HRH Etinyin Francis Effiom Edem Efa.
