Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu has directed that the dethroned Village Head of Obufa Obio Ukem, Clan Head of Efut Ukem, Muri Munene, and Paramount Ruler of the Efuts, be restored immediately.
His Royal Majesty, Prof. Itam Hogan Itam, the Paramount Ruler of Efuts, Calabar South LGA, south south Nigeria was dethroned by former Governor Ben Ayade.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Emmanuel Ogbeche said the monarch was dethroned in May 2022, for allegedly participating in political activity, in the build-up to the 2023 general election.
In a release made available to newsmen, Ogbeche, said the restoration of the dethroned Village Head was based on the ruling of the High Court of Cross River State.
For instance, in the Suit No. HC/MSC/154/2022 between HRM Muri Munene (Prof.) Itam Hogan Itam vs. Governor of Cross River State and two others was delivered on July 19, 2022.
The suit set aside the removal of Prof. Itam as the Village Head of Obufa Obio Ukem, Clan Head of Efut Ukem, Muri Munene and Paramount Ruler of the Efuts.
Meanwhile, Governor Otu, has warned anyone still occupying the throne to vacate the seat.
Moreover, the person would be regarded as an impostor and would be contravening Section 37 of the Traditional Rulers Law, Cap T4, Laws of Cross River State, 2004.
In addition, he said such a person shall be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Accordingly, the release reads: “Governor Bassey Edet Otu directs the immediate restoration of His Royal Majesty, Prof. Itam Hogan Itam, as the Village Head of Obufa Obio Ukem, Clan Head of Efut Ukem, Muri Munene and Paramount Ruler of the Efuts.”
“The decision is based on the ruling of the High Court of Cross River State in Suit No. HC/MSC/154/2022 between HRM Muri Munene (Prof.) Itam Hogan Itam vs. Governor of Cross River State & 2 Others delivered on July 19, 2022, which set aside the removal of Prof. Itam as the Village Head of Obufa Obio Ukem, Clan Head of Efut Ukem, Muri Munene and Paramount Ruler of the Efuts.”
“Prof. Itam Hogan Itam is the only and duly recognized Village Head of Obufa Obio Ukem, Clan Head of Efut Ukem, Muri Munene, and Paramount Ruler of the Efuts, as any other person will be regarded as an impostor as such a person will be contravening Section 37 of the Traditional Rulers Law, Cap T4, Laws of Cross River State, 2004, and shall be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“While congratulating His Royal Majesty Muri Munene, Prof. Itam Hogan Itam, on his restoration to the throne of his forefathers, I urge him to pursue peace, inclusion and work towards the good of all Efuts and the State in general.”