Cross River-born content creator and social activist, Ulakom Vincent, popularly known as Kingvinwise, has spoken about his activism, the controversy surrounding his activities and his widely discussed song, “Otu Shame Unto You.”
Vincent, who spoke with Boki Blog Africa, said he is from Ukelle in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, where he was born and raised by his parents.
According to him, growing up in Ukelle exposed him to the difficulties faced by people in the area, particularly challenges relating to development, infrastructure and access to basic amenities.
His activism, he said, was born out of a desire to draw attention to these issues and encourage government to respond to the needs of the people.
Vincent also alleged that there had been an attempt to arrest him in connection with his activism, saying he believed the incident was linked to the issues he had been raising publicly. He further claimed that he understood that some people were still looking for him in Lagos.
Vincent alleged that some Ukelle politicians, whom he believes may be working in collaboration with individuals within the administration of Governor Bassey Otu, could be behind the alleged move.
He stressed that the appropriate authorities should establish the facts surrounding the matter.
The activist has also attracted attention through his song, “Otu Shame Unto You,” which he said he personally composed and performed.
According to him, the song came after a period of protesting and speaking about what he described as the development challenges facing Ukelle.
He said his frustration grew because, in his view, government representatives were not adequately coming out to address some of the concerns being raised.
Vincent said he eventually decided to turn his frustration into music, using the song as another means of communicating with people and expressing his position on governance and development.
The controversy comes against the background of longstanding concerns over infrastructure in Ukelle.
The Yahe-Wanokom-Wanikade-Benue border road, which cuts across parts of Ukelle, has for years been associated with complaints over poor access. An investigation by The ICIR in 2021 documented the hardship communities along the road experienced after the project had remained abandoned for years.
The issue has since received renewed government attention. Governor Bassey Otu visited Ukelle in 2023 and pledged to address the road problem, while subsequent reports documented work on sections of the road.
The state government has also highlighted other development interventions in Yala. In May 2026, the Yala Local Government Chairman, Fred Okem, pledged budgetary support for water, sanitation and hygiene programmes, while acknowledging water-related challenges in communities including Wanakom and parts of Southern Ukelle.
Despite these interventions, Vincent said residents should continue to ask questions about development and demand accountability from those in authority.
Explaining why he chose activism, he said remaining silent would not bring the changes he wants to see.
He admitted that the decision has come with pressure and criticism, saying some members of his family had even distanced themselves from him because they wanted him to stop speaking publicly about the issues.
For him, however, speaking out remains more important than remaining silent.
Vincent urged young Cross Riverians to defend their rights peacefully, participate in public affairs and demand accountability from government.
He said young people should not simply wait for others to fight for their future, but should contribute to shaping the society they want.
He also had a message for the Cross River State Government.
According to him, government should concentrate more on actual development than political rallies, publicity and hype.
He argued that resources used for political mobilisation and publicity could instead be channelled into roads, schools, healthcare, electricity, water and other infrastructure.
“Let the work speak for you,” was the central message of his advice to government, arguing that genuine development would naturally earn public recognition.
Vincent's comments are likely to keep the debate over activism, development and government accountability in Ukelle alive, particularly as the area continues to see government and political attention over infrastructure.
While his allegations concerning an arrest attempt and those he suspects may be responsible remain claims requiring independent verification, his broader argument centres on a familiar issue in rural Cross River: whether government interventions are reaching communities quickly enough and whether residents feel able to openly demand accountability from those in power.
Post A Comment: