Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has suspended two traditional rulers in Akpabuyo Local Government Area indefinitely over alleged insubordination.
The two are: HRH Etinyin Ekpenyong Ekpo Asuquo, clan head of Atimbo, and HRH Etinyin Archibong Ita Le’Nelson, clan head of Akansoko.
Their suspension on Monday followed DAILY POST report published on 21 April, 2024, titled “Otu’s appointment of acting paramount ruler sparks more crises in Cross River”.
One of the two, Archibong Ita Le’Nelson had told DAILY POST that the governor’s appointment of Etinyin Francis Effiom Edem, clan head of Esuk Mba community, as acting paramount ruler of the LGA cannot stand.
Le’Nelson had said the governor did not do necessary consultations before appointing HRH Francis Effiom.
He accused two aides of the governor whom he said are relations of the governor of misleading him.
He insisted that it was the turn of clan heads from his axis since traditional headship of the Council was supposed to be rotational, yet three paramount rulers have emerged from the same axis where the new appointee hails from.
The position became vacant following the passage of HRH Lawrence Edet who died as a result suspected trauma from his abduction in mid December 2023 by gunmen.
In a statement signed by Gill Nsa, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, he described their rejection of his appointment of HRH Francis Effiom Edem as an “unacceptable act of insubordination”.
“Accordingly, the mentioned persons are hereby suspended indefinitely.
“They are not expected to parade themselves anywhere and in any form as clan heads until further notice.
“The directive takes immediate effect. In their stead, acting clan heads will be announced by the governor,” he said.
