By Jake-Mary Achigbe
OBUBRA (CONVERSEER) – The word Obubra is derived from Ubibira or Ubira, the name of the main Obubra village located at the bank of the Cross River. Obubra, however, was later adopted to represent an administrative unit under the British colonial empire in the late 19th century. Though the exact history of the signed treaties between community heads and representatives of the British Empire remains in antiquity, Obubra’s significance cannot be denied.
At its height, Obubra covered areas bounded by Abakaliki and Ikom to the North, and Afikpo and Calabar to the South. This meant its jurisdiction extended into parts of present-day Biase and Akamkpa Local Government Areas, through Abi, Yakurr, and Etung, reaching into Ikom and Ogoja. From this rich land, Ikom and other LGAs were later carved out, leaving Obubra as a root from which many branches of Cross River emerged.
Presently, Obubra Local Government Area has eleven council wards: Ababene, Ofat, Ofodua, Ovonum, Apiapum, Iyamoyong, Ochon, Obubra Urban, Ofumbongha/Yala, Osopong I and Osopong II. Within these wards are 98 villages, including Obubra Village, Ogada, Owakande, Imabana, Itamtet, Apiapum, Yala, Iyamoyong, Ohana, Ochon, Isabang, Ovonum, Ofodua, Ofat, Ababene, Oderegha, Okorogbana, Onyedama, Ebo, Iko, Ogurude, Ofonmana, Ogurokpon, Okimbongha, Ofonagama, Omene, Ofonamma, Ofonekom, Appiapumtet, Idoru 1 and 2, Ijutum, Eja, Ijagha Orangha, Aragharagha, Ogamina—and the list continues.
Despite this rich heritage and wide reach, Obubra today is a shadow of its potential. Its communities, many of which were shaped by intercommunal wars, still bear the scars of division.
Old lines of friction are being heated up, worsened by the influence of political elites who cannot agree on a united leadership or a common channel for socioeconomic development. Instead of harmony, there is rivalry. Instead of development, stagnation.
The headquarters in Obubra Urban, where the council stands, lacks the dignity of a local government centre. There are no proper street roads, no electricity, no potable water, and no infrastructure. The land that birthed Ikom and other LGAs is now treated as an afterthought. As Nelson Mandela reminded us, “Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity, it is an act of justice.” Leaving Obubra to languish is not mere neglect it is injustice.
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The Greek philosopher Aristotle said, “The state comes into existence for the sake of life and continues for the sake of the good life.” If governance in Cross River State cannot give Obubra the good life, roads, schools, hospitals, peace, and progress then the very purpose of government is betrayed.
Rousseau also warned, “The social contract is broken when rulers stop serving the people.” Every election, Obubra is courted with promises, only to be abandoned after victory. The contract has been broken for too long.
As an African proverb says, “When the roots decay, the tree falls.” Obubra is a root in the political and cultural tree of Cross River. If this root continues to rot in neglect, the state cannot stand tall in pride. Another proverb reminds us, “A single bracelet does not jingle.” If the state ignores Obubra while lifting others, harmony will never be achieved.
It is time for the Cross River State Government to act beyond words, beyond campaigns. Roads in the streets of Urban Areas in Obubra must be constructed. Electricity restored. Water provided. Schools and hospitals were rebuilt. Youths united and empowered, not divided. As Mandela also said, “There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
Obubra is capable of more, and her people deserve more.
History is watching, posterity is recording, and one day justice will demand an answer.
