Drama In Cross River: Governor Otu Fires Village Head For Alleged Impersonation

Wednesday September 17, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has removed Ntufam Linus Effiong Oben Tabi from his position as the village head of Mbot Akpa and Ekinta Clan, Bush Radio reported.

According to the governor’s Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, Otuekong Francis Edet, the dethronement followed findings that Tabi engaged in impersonation and obtained recognition for himself through false claims.

An investigation by the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs revealed that Tabi secured a certificate of recognition for Mbot Akpa village—a community not listed under the Cross River State Edict No. 1 (Clan Creation) of 1996.

The official decertification letter further noted that Mbot Akpa is actually the same as Esuk Effiom Iyaweh in Iko Eneyo Clan, Akpabuyo LGA, describing Tabi’s action as an attempt to gain legitimacy by deceit.

It was also discovered that Tabi was heading two clans across different local government areas at the same time, a move described by critics as both illegal and destabilizing.

His removal came after five traditional rulers under the Ekonganaku Traditional Rulers Council petitioned the government, demanding his sack to restore peace in the community.

Confirming the decision, Edet emphasized that the state would not condone such misconduct, stressing that peace, order, and integrity must guide the recognition of traditional institutions in Cross River.