By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – A legal representative of Ntufam Linus Effiong Tabi, the recently dethroned clan head of Ekinta in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, has faulted the state government’s decision to strip his client of recognition.
Barrister E. E. Osim, counsel to Tabi, described as false the allegations that his client acted in a dual capacity as clan head of both Ekinta Clan in Akamkpa and Mbot Akpa in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.
Government’s Position
The controversy follows a de-certification letter from the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, which approved the election of His Royal Highness Celestine Awor as the new clan head of Ekinta.
According to sources in the Chieftaincy Affairs office, the decision was based on petitions from five traditional rulers under the Ekonganaku Traditional Rulers Council. The petitioners alleged that Tabi was simultaneously holding positions in Akpabuyo and Akamkpa, describing his role as improper and destabilising.
Lawyer’s Rebuttal
Osim, however, insisted that Tabi has no ties to Iko Eneyo or any clan in Akpabuyo, except for his recognised role in Akamkpa. He maintained that the government acted without due process.
“We have reached out to the Chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council and plan to write to the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs to clarify this matter,” he said.
He further stressed that a valid court judgment cannot be overturned “by mere words of the mouth,” adding that the decision of the Court of Appeal, which recognised Tabi’s position, remains binding.
Tabi’s Defence
Tabi himself rejected the claims linking him to Akpabuyo, insisting that his authority is rooted solely in Mburkpa Ekinta Clan in Akamkpa. He noted that he became a village head in 2003, was capped in 2010, and formally certificated in 2011.
“I have never attended any meetings in Akpabuyo. I was elected clan head by my people in Akamkpa,” he said.
Tabi also criticised the legitimacy of his successor, alleging that HRH Celestine Awor is the son of an individual who once contested his position in court but lost the case. “If the government was dissatisfied, they should have appealed to the Supreme Court instead of this sudden decertification,” he argued.
The dispute has deepened divisions in the Ekinta community, with traditional rulers calling for stability while Tabi and his counsel insist that only proper judicial process can resolve the matter.
