Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has warned traditional rulers across the state that they risk losing their certificates of recognition if violence and communal unrest continue in their domains.
The governor gave the warning on Monday during the 21st edition of the Leboku International New Yam Festival at the Yakurr Peace Stadium, Ugep, while reacting to the recent deadly clash between Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area.
Otu described the conflict, which reportedly led to loss of lives, as a “show of shame”, saying communal violence could damage peace, tourism and economic development in Cross River. He questioned the traditional institution's response to the crisis and urged traditional rulers to exercise stronger authority over their subjects.
The governor said the warning applies to village heads, clan heads, paramount rulers and other recognised traditional authorities, stressing that government would not hesitate to withdraw recognition from any traditional ruler whose domain becomes a centre of violence.
Otu also announced that the state government would not recognise any of the rival factions involved in the traditional leadership dispute in Agoi Ibami, another community in Yakurr.
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