Cleric sues for peace amid tension brewing in paramount ruler appointment

As tension mounts over the appointment of a new Paramount Ruler in Calabar South Local Government Area in Cross River State His Royal Majesty Etubom Nyong Effiom Okon (JP), a clergy, Apostle Elijah Effiong aka Prophet Odudu I of Calabar South has called for calm among the contending parties for peace and harmony to reign in the community. to the people and residents of Calabar South L.G.A.

Prophet Odudu I made the plea in a chat with LENS Reporter on Thursday, October 6 in Calabar after the chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Etiyin DR. Etim Okon Edet proclaimed Etubom Nyong Effiom Okon as the new Paramount Ruler of Calabar South LGA at the State Traditional Rulers Chamber notwithstanding the rift between the Efut people in Calabar South.

He maintained that the State Traditional Rulers law does not provide that once a person is made the Muri Munene of Efut, he automatically becomes a Paramount Ruler in another Local Government Area outside his domain local territory explaining that the position of Muri Munene of Efut tribe or the Ndidem of the Quas are merely tribal titles which cannot make them warrant chiefs or traditional rulers as the government cannot dabble into their selection process which is limited to eligible members only.

Etiyin Edet at the event Wednesday said that the law is very explicit in the process for the selection of a warrant chief or paramount ruler which must be strictly under the auspices of the government unlike the selection of a tribal chief which can only be done in a shrine and maintained that the appointment of Etubom Effiom is in line with the states traditional rulers law.

It would be recalled that Prophet Odudu I had predicted in 2021 that the former Paramount Ruler, HRM Prof. Hogan Itam would be dethroned which manifested in June 2022 when the State Governor (Prof.) Ben Ayade removed Prof. Itam for allegedly attending a PDP meeting in the country home of former Governor Donald Duke to select a party candidate in Calabar.

However, a Calabar High Court had asked the government to restore back Prof. Itam to the throne after a stint by HRM Muri Munene Maurice Eyo which countered the sack and the State government proceeded to the Appeal Court.

Apostle Elijah Effiong aka Odudu I who is the general overseer of the New World Apostolic Miracle Church located in Calabar South used the opportunity to call for peace to make room for economic growth and positive development in the area known for petty crimes and acts of violence by youths.

By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)