Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has warned traditional rulers across the state that their certificates of recognition will be withdrawn if they fail to maintain peace in their communities.
The governor gave the warning on Monday at the 21st edition of the Leboku International New Yam Festival held at the Yakurr Peace Stadium in Ugep. He used the occasion to condemn the recent clash between Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area which led to the loss of lives.
Describing the violence as a “show of shame,” Otu said such conflicts threaten the peace, tourism drive and economic growth of the state. He revealed that government had considered cancelling this year’s Leboku festival over the crisis but dropped the idea in order not to defeat the festival’s purpose of fostering unity and brotherhood among the Yakurr people.
“I condemn in totality the recent inter-communal war between Ugep and Idomi which claimed precious lives. To the warring communities and others that aligned with them, this was indeed a show of shame,” the governor said.
He called on the traditional institution to take more responsibility in curbing unrest, especially in the wake of the Ugep-Idomi conflict.
Addressing the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, Otu acknowledged his 11 years of peaceful reign but challenged him to assert more control over his subjects. “As the head of the entire Yakurr nation, you must control your subjects,” he stated.
The governor reminded village heads, clan heads and paramount rulers that preserving peace and culture is central to their duties. He stressed that government will not hesitate to strip any royal father of recognition where violence persists. “Tourism cannot thrive in a volatile and chaotic environment,” he added.
Otu also waded into the leadership tussle in Agoi Ibami, where two persons were reportedly presented as chief and clan head on the same day. Following an appeal by the Obol Lopon Advisory Council, the governor declared that government will not recognize any of the rival factions until the community resolves the dispute and presents a single representative.
Speaking on development, Otu said the 2026 festival theme, “Rooted in Culture, Growing in Prosperity,” reflects his administration’s plan to harness agriculture and culture for economic growth and job creation. He said Leboku has grown beyond a harvest celebration to become a cultural and economic platform that can attract tourists and investors.
Linking the festival to his “green economic revolution,” the governor said government is moving farmers from subsistence to commercial agriculture through mechanization, tractors, equipment and revolving loans. He also announced a $70 billion public-private partnership investment package, with about $1.5 billion earmarked for agriculture, covering rice value chains, fisheries, dairy, trawler fishing and oil palm development.
Earlier, Yakurr LGA Chairman, Hon. Yibala Inyang, described Leboku as a celebration of gratitude, culture, unity and economic opportunity that has evolved into an international event.
Speaking for the Obol Lopon Advisory Council, Comrade Azikiwe Williams commended the governor for infrastructure projects in Yakurr and requested the upgrade of the Ugep Peace Stadium including a standby generator. He also appealed for improved CRBC signal coverage in the area.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Obi Ayuk Offor, said government is committed to strengthening Leboku as a tourism brand. He noted that Yakurr’s waterfalls, heritage sites, music, dance and traditions are assets that can boost the state’s economy if peace is sustained.
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