The Palace of the Eze Ekpeye Logbo III has reaffirmed the supreme traditional authority of the Ekpeye throne, stressing that it retains customary jurisdiction over matters affecting peace, security and the preservation of cultural values across Ekpeye land.
In a statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations Unit of the Palace, Anamoji Felix, on Sunday, July 5, 2026, the Palace said it was responding to a public commentary that questioned the authority and traditional role of the Ekpeye Supreme Throne in addressing criminality within the kingdom.
According to the palace, the commentary reflected a misunderstanding of the hierarchy of Ekpeye traditional institutions, customary jurisprudence, and the powers vested in the stool of the Eze Ekpeye Logbo.
The Palace explained that the traditional jurisdiction of the Eze Ekpeye Logbo extends across the Ekpeye ethnic nation in Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas of Rivers State, except for Engenni territory. It noted that issues relating to peace, security, morality, and the preservation of Ekpeye customs within the jurisdiction fall under the supervisory responsibility of the supreme traditional ruler.
The statement maintained that traditional institutions are not merely ceremonial but serve as custodians of peace, empowered by long-established customs to address crime, sacrilege and other social vices through lawful traditional rites and cultural mechanisms. It added that this role complements the functions of statutory government institutions.
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The Palace further stated that the supremacy of the Eze Ekpeye Logbo stool in traditional, customary and cultural matters is constitutionally and customarily established and does not depend on validation from any other traditional throne within Ekpeye land.
While acknowledging the role of the various Igbu traditional rulers in promoting peace and grassroots administration, the Palace said their contributions do not diminish the apex authority vested in the Supreme Throne.
It also clarified that intervention by the central traditional authority in matters affecting any component kingdom is intended to complement, rather than override, the authority of local traditional rulers, describing such intervention as a means of strengthening coordinated traditional governance.
The Palace urged members of the public to seek a proper understanding of Ekpeye traditional governance before making public statements that could create misconceptions or undermine the unity of the institution.
It reaffirmed the commitment of His Imperial Majesty, Eze Sir Kelvin Anugwo, Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, to promoting peace, preserving the cultural heritage of the Ekpeye people and working in harmony with recognised traditional rulers for the security, progress and development of the Ekpeye nation.
