Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has officially removed Ntufam Linus Effiong Oben Tabi from his position as the village head of Mbot Akpa and the Ekinta Clan in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
The decision, announced by Senator Bassey Otu’s Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, Otuekong Francis Edet, followed findings that Tabi allegedly engaged in impersonation and obtained his title through deceptive means.
An investigation conducted by the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs revealed that Tabi acquired a certificate of recognition for Mbot Akpa — a village not recognized under the Cross River State Edict No. 1 (Clan Creation) of 1996.
The decertification letter further clarified that Mbot Akpa is, in fact, the same as Esuk Effiom Iyaweh in the Iko Eneyo Clan of Akpabuyo LGA, and described Tabi’s actions as a calculated attempt to falsely legitimize his position.
Further findings showed that Tabi was simultaneously heading two clans in different local government areas — a development described by his opponents as illegal and destabilising.
The action against him followed a petition by five traditional rulers under the Ekonganaku Traditional Rulers Council, who demanded his removal to restore peace in the community.
Confirming the decision of Senator Bassey Otu, Edet stressed that the government could not overlook such misconduct, adding that peace and stability must guide the recognition of traditional institutions in the state.
Reacting, the dethroned monarch By Senator Bassey Otu said he had not yet received any official letter.
“I have nothing to say for now because I am yet to be served.
“Once I am served, if the law says it’s right, no problem. If it says it’s wrong, I will know what to do,” Tabi stated.
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