By Edet Ikotidem

The Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area Hon Aniefiok Nkom has dismissed claims that the lingering dispute over the selection of the Urban Clan Head could derail the planned coronation of the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene, insisting that both matters are separate and should not be confused.

“I Told Them Not to Consult Me’: Chairman Speaks on Ikot Ekpene Traditional Leadership Dispute”

Speaking to journalists on the controversy surrounding the traditional leadership process in the area, the chairman explained that the dispute currently under investigation relates solely to the selection of the Urban Clan Head and has no connection with the proposed coronation of the Paramount Ruler.

According to him, the selection process for the Urban Clan Head was suspended following petitions and security concerns raised by some contenders and stakeholders within the Urban community.

Chairman Speaks on Ikot Ekpene Traditional Leadership Dispute

He disclosed that the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs directed that the process be put on hold pending the outcome of investigations into the allegations and security reports submitted by interested parties.

“The issue was not about the coronation of the Paramount Ruler. It had absolutely nothing to do with that. The matter in question concerned the selection of the Clan Head of Urban,” he said.

The chairman noted that the matter remains before the government and relevant authorities, who are carrying out investigations to ensure that all concerns are properly addressed before any decision is taken.

He emphasized that the responsibility for selecting a clan head lies with the village heads and the clan council, not the local government administration.

“My duty is not to select or endorse any candidate. The responsibility lies with the appropriate traditional institutions. The local government does not sit down to choose a clan head,” he stated.

Addressing allegations that some persons were attempting to influence the process, the chairman said the disagreements stemmed largely from rivalries among contenders and their supporters, resulting in petitions, accusations, and counter-accusations.

He further denied claims that there was a coordinated effort to sideline the Urban community, pointing out that prominent Urban indigenes occupy strategic positions in the ongoing coronation arrangements.

According to him, the chairman of the coronation committee is an Urban son, while several other respected members of the Urban clan are actively involved in community affairs.

On the proposed coronation of the Paramount Ruler, the chairman disclosed that August has been suggested as the likely date for the ceremony, subject to approval by the state government.

“We are proposing sometime in August. Once the Governor approves the date, the coronation will take place,” he said.

He stressed that the event would proceed irrespective of the unresolved clan head dispute, adding that the coronation is a major traditional and state occasion expected to attract traditional rulers and dignitaries from across Akwa Ibom State.

The chairman revealed that he was among those invited by security agencies during the height of the controversy to provide information on the matter.

According to him, investigations by security agencies found no evidence linking him to any of the contenders or suggesting that he had attempted to influence the process.

Also Read: Hon. Nkom Sets Stage for Coronation of Paramount Ruler, Inaugurates Planning Committee

He maintained that he had consistently refused to support any candidate and had advised all contenders to follow due process and allow the appropriate authorities to handle the matter.

Commenting on the level of opposition to the coronation, the chairman described it as limited to a small number of individuals rather than representing the views of the wider Ikot Ekpene community.

He noted that Ikot Ekpene comprises 47 villages, including 25 in Amanyam and 22 in Urban, arguing that only a handful of people have continued to fuel the controversy through petitions and public allegations.

“The opposition is not as widespread as some people would want the public to believe. A few individuals are creating the impression of a major crisis when that is not the reality,” he said.

The chairman called on all stakeholders to remain peaceful and allow government institutions and traditional authorities to resolve outstanding issues in accordance with established procedures.

He reiterated that the dispute over the Urban Clan Head selection and the coronation of the Paramount Ruler are distinct matters and should not be linked together.