The Crisis Management Committee representing the Mbume Blocks of Clans in Etung Local Government Area, Cross River State, has urgently called for the reinstatement of the suspended paramount ruler, Dr. Emmanuel Oru-Ojong.
Ntufam Odu Ndep Moses, chairman of the committee, expressed this demand during a discussion with LEADERSHIP in Calabar, emphasizing the need for swift resolution.
In addition, the committee has called for legal action against Ntufam Anthony Ntui Eta, the Clan Head of Ajassor Community, for his blatant disregard of a court injunction.
The Mbume Blocks of Clans, which include the Abia, Bendeghe Ekiem, and Etomi communities within the LGA, insist that peace within the traditional institution can only be restored once the rightful paramount ruler, Dr. Oru-Ojong, is reinstated.
They urged the state government to promptly enforce the High Court of Cross River State’s ruling by reinstating His Royal Majesty (HRM) Ntufam Dr. Emmanuel Oru-Ojong and prosecuting Ntufam Anthony Ntui Eta for violating the perpetual injunction.
The committee stressed the importance of respecting judicial decisions and called on the government to compel HRH Ntufam Anthony Ntui Eta to relinquish the throne, thereby restoring harmony in the local government area.
The ongoing conflict centers on the paramount rulership of Etung LGA, with Dr. Oru-Ojong recognized as the legitimate ruler.
According to the committee, the notion of an acting paramount ruler contradicts the traditions of the Etung people. They highlighted that the High Court, under Hon. Justice Elias Abuo in suit No. HC/96/2022, has already ruled against Ntufam Anthony Ntui Eta, labeling him an impostor.
The group appealed to Governor Bassey Otu’s administration-an entity they hold in high regard-to intervene decisively by reinstating Dr. Oru-Ojong and prosecuting Ntufam Eta, thereby restoring order within the traditional leadership.
They emphasized that such actions would demonstrate the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and honoring court verdicts.
“This defiance necessitates appropriate legal consequences. Our call is not only for the immediate reinstatement of Dr. Oru-Ojong but also for the prosecution of Ntufam Anthony Ntui Eta for contempt of court,” the committee stated.
“We earnestly appeal to the governor to expedite the reinstatement process and facilitate a formal ceremony marking the substantive paramount ruler’s return to office. This step will quell the unrest,” they added.
“As responsible citizens, we expect all parties to respect the High Court’s ruling. Justice must prevail,” the chairman asserted.
“The government, as the ultimate authority, must acknowledge and uphold the judiciary’s decisions,” he concluded.
Responding promptly via phone, Ntufam Anthony Ntui Eta, the acting paramount ruler and Clan Head of Ajassor, claimed ignorance of any movement seeking his removal.
“No official communication has been sent to me regarding my dethronement. One cannot remove a man’s beard without his presence. Matters like this cannot be discussed over the phone,” he declared firmly.
