Court reinstate sacked monarch in Cross River

A high court in Calabar Tuesday ordered the Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade to reinstate the deposed Muri Munene of the Efut Kingdom and Paramount Ruler of Calabar South Local Government Area in Cross River State.

Justice Emmanuel Ayade presiding over the case ruled that the applicant, Prof. Itam was not given a fair hearing by the panel set up to investigate his alleged presence in a political meeting hosted by former Governor Donald Duke at his home in Calabar in May this year which he denied.

In the Suit No. HC/MSC154/2022 between Prof. Itam (the applicant ) and the State Governor, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Matters, and the State Attorney-General, the applicant sought to reverse his removal as the paramount ruler of Calabar South.

Justice Ayade reviewed the submissions of the counsels on both sides, cited several authorities and upheld the arguments of the applicant’s counsel that the applicant was not given a fair hearing and likened the removal of Prof. Itam as “a palace coup” and hasty adding that the applicant was not given the opportunity to defend himself which violates the principle of natural justice.

The judge, therefore, ordered that the applicant’s letter of recognition be restored to him with immediate effect.

Prof. Itam in his reaction thanked the judge for upholding the truth adding that he will work for peace and invited all stakeholders for a peace meeting and called on everybody to eschew the rancor urging the governor to check the alleged illegal activities at the Chieftaincy Department.

HRM Muri Bassey, the Chairman of Muri’s Council and Clan Head of Uwanse Clan in Calabar South said they could now take back the palace following the judgment and that they would recognize the Efut Nation.

Counsel to the applicant Barrister Ekpenyong Essien said Prof. Itam was not given a fair hearing and likened it to a kangaroo arrangement which has warranted the court to rule for his immediate reinstatement describing the action as harsh and akin to a palace coup.

By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)