Odukpani –The people of Akamkpa Clan officially presented His Royal Highness Obonn Ita Okon to the Traditional Rulers Council of Odukpani Local Government Area on Friday for ratification as the new clan head of Akamkpa. The presentation, which took place without opposition, marks a significant milestone in the community’s leadership transition NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.
Christ Ambassador Effiong Ekpo Ekpo, President and Founder of The Association of Concerned Indigenes of Okoyong Nation, explained the importance of the presentation: “We are here in continuity to present His Royal Highness Obonn Ita Okon to the Odukpani Traditional Rulers Council. Without this presentation, the Cross River State Government, under the Office of the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, will not recognize the clan head.”
Effiong emphasized that HRH Obonn Ita Okon, who hails from the Ekpo Akiba Akak lineage, was unanimously elected by the people of Akamkpa Clan. He noted that the outgoing clan head was from the Ekpenyong Akiba Akak lineage, and the community is fully supportive of the new leader.
“His Royal Highness Obonn Ita Okon happens to come from Ekpo Akiba Akak, and he stands elected. There is no opposition; unlike Ekori clan, where there was a petition against their candidate, our own sailed through by the grace of God,” Effiong added.
Ekpo also addressed broader issues affecting the Okoyong Nation, particularly the clan headship disputes and land grabbing by some politicians and government appointees. He attributed the ongoing disputes to the disregard for the B.E.O. Etim’s report of September 1973, which he believes provides a clear framework for resolving such issues.
“Setting aside the B.E.O. Etim’s report of September 1973 completely is the reason why we are having clan headship disputes in Okoyong Nation. The Clan Head Elect of Ekori Clan, Obonn Effiom lyamba, was rejected on the grounds that he is not qualified to be Obonn at Nta Obo and other related issues. Can you see that? I still insist, setting aside B.E.O. Etim’s report completely is the issue,” Effiong stated.
He also raised concerns about land grabbing, warning that some politicians and government appointees are surveying and acquiring lands without the consent of the families that own them.
“I want to use this opportunity to let us know that some politicians and appointees of the government are into land grabbing. They will just go into a land and survey it without the consent of the leadership of the family that owns the land, which can lead to communal crises. It has to stop,” he emphasized.
Akiba Eyo Ekpo Otu Ekpenyong Akiba Akak, a prominent member of the community, described the day as historic and significant for the people of Akamkpa Clan. He expressed joy over the unanimous selection of HRH Obonn Ita Okon, describing him as a tested and proven leader.
“Today is indeed a very significant day in the history of Akamkpa Okoyong people. We came to solidarize with our clan head. We, the people of Akamkpa Clan, unanimously selected him to represent us as our clan head. He has been accepted, and we are very much satisfied that a blue blood has taken over that very revered seat,” Akiba stated.
He further highlighted HRH Obonn Ita Okon’s qualifications, noting his experience and close collaboration with past clan heads: “He is tested and proven to be very conversant with the affairs of Akamkpa Clan. He is the man the people have been clamoring for. We thank God that the council has ratified that position. It is a wonderful thing for all of us.”
HRH Obonn Ita Okon was former Chairman of Okoyong Council of Traditional Rulers & Chiefs and Chairman of Akamkpa Clan Council. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the community’s traditions and governance make him a fitting choice for the role of clan head.
Sources have indicated that the ratification of HRH Obonn Ita Okon as the clan head of Akamkpa Clan marks a new chapter for the community. With unanimous support from the people and the endorsement of the Odukpani Traditional Rulers Council, the new clan head is poised to lead with wisdom and dedication, upholding the rich traditions of Akamkpa Clan.
