The Cross River State Government has ordered the immediate dethronement and decertification of the Obol Lopon of Nko, Obol Etim Ayomobi, in Yakurr and the Clan Head of Onyadama, Ovarr Vincent Erena, in Obubra Local Government Areas.
This followed the communal clash between the two communities over a piece of land that resulted in the loss of lives and the destruction of property.
A statement signed by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ben Ayade, Linus Obogo, read, “The dethronement and de-certification of the two monarchs and all other traditional rulers in the two warring communities are as a result of the intractable communal clashes.”
The statement said the ownership of the disputed land has been revoked and taken over by the state government for overriding public interest, as the state has also “ordered the sustenance of army operation in Nko community until those behind the shooting of the six military personnel are produced or fished out.”
Condeming the development in a statement, the lawmaker representing Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr. Alex Egbona, appealed to the warring communities to end the conflict.
He called for peace, noting that the conflict between both parties could undermine the peace and development of the two local governments.
