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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has threatened to withdraw government recognition from traditional rulers whose domains are engulfed in communal violence, following renewed clashes between Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government .
Otu, who spoke through his deputy, Peter Odey, at the 2026 Leboku International New Yam Festival in Ugep, described the recent violence as unacceptable and warned traditional rulers and community leaders to take responsibility for maintaining peace in their domains.
The governor said the clashes had cast a shadow over the annual cultural festival, which is traditionally a celebration of unity, peace and the rich cultural heritage of the Yakurr people.
“The violence we witnessed between Ugep and Idomi is unacceptable. It is a show of shame that has robbed our people of the true spirit of Leboku,” he said.
Otu warned that the government would no longer tolerate situations where traditional institutions were unable to prevent disorder or resolve disputes within their communities.
He directed royal fathers, clan heads and other traditional authorities to uphold peace, customs and traditions, stressing that those who failed to maintain order risked losing their certificates of recognition.
The governor also warned against the proliferation of factions within traditional institutions, saying the government would not recognise competing camps or factions that refused to unite behind legitimate traditional leadership.
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The warning came against the backdrop of persistent tensions between Ugep and Idomi communities, including a lingering land dispute that had earlier prompted government intervention and the imposition of curfews to contain the situation.
Otu said the government deliberately allowed the Leboku festival to proceed despite the violence because cancelling it would have defeated its central purpose of promoting peace, reconciliation and unity among the Yakurr people.
He, however, acknowledged that the loss of lives in the clashes had affected the atmosphere of this year’s celebration.
The Chairman of Yakurr LG, Chief Inyang Igri, urged residents to reject violence and channel their energies towards developing the area.
“The festival should renew our commitment to peace and prosperity. We cannot build with one hand and destroy with the other,” Igri said.
Also speaking, Obol Lopon of Ugep, ObolUbana, appealed for a peaceful resolution of the lingering chieftaincy crisis in Agoi-Ibami.
Ubana also called on the state government to extend broadcasting coverage to communities across Yakurr, saying improved access to local broadcasting would help promote the area’s culture, unity and development.
The 2026 Leboku celebration featured cultural displays, the symbolic presentation of new yam and prayers for peace and prosperity in Yakurr.
