Traditional rulers, elders move to end cultism in Cross River

Following cult related killings in Cross River State, traditional rulers and leaders of thought of Ugep Local Government Area of the state have blamed clan heads and village heads for allegedly failing to expose cultists in their respective domains.

Rising from an emergency meeting at the palace of the Obol Lopon of Ugep last week, the traditional rulers and elders of the area banned cult activities in the area and accused clan and village heads of complicity, saying they would be held responsible should they fail to expose the activities of cultists in their domains.

Chief Wilfred Inah, a former Head of Service in the Old Cross River and son of the area, who spoke on behalf of other elders, condemned in strong terms the uncontrollable activities of cult groups that recently claimed the lives of two indigenes- Benjamin Njom and Jude Irogbue Junior.

This came as he charged the Nigeria Police to thoroughly investigate, arrest and prosecute those found to be responsible for the cult related killings in the area.

He, however, called on the Obol Lopon of Ugep to terminate the appointments of the present security men in his palace with effect from 1st September, 2017 and engage the services of reliable retired military and police personnel as well as obtain the services of government security agents who are usually made available to traditional rulers of his standing free of charge.

Communiqué issued at the end of the meeting agreed on the dissolution of the present Obol Lopon Advisory Council with effect from 1st September, 2017 and reconstitute it with 15 mature and exposed indigenes selected to represent the 12 clans of the town, inclusive of one youth leader, one women leader and Secretary to Obol Lopon.

The communiqué reads in part: “After an exhaustive meeting of traditional rulers and leaders of thought which lasted for several hours at the Obol Lopon palace, we decided to dissolve the executive of Ugep Development Council with effect from 1st September and thanked members for the services they rendered to the community during their stay in office.

“We have decided to also restore the time-honored dignity of the stool of the Obol Lopon of Ugep through absolute respect for the defence of the stool by indigenes and through dignified behaviour and necessary consultation by occupant of the stool.”

The communiqué also resolved to modify the dress code of the Obol Lopon of Ugep to accord with modern trends which emphasise adjustment to suit occasions. It urged self-restraint in giving publicity to events that not only portray Ugep Community in bad light but also have the potential for exacerbating tensions in Ugep and reducing the community’s chances of receiving the benefits it deserved.

It urged the Obol Lopon of Ugep to keep his doors open to receive advice from indigenes in advantageous positions in order to enhance the growth and development of Ugep Community.