Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has warned traditional rulers that they risk losing their certificates of recognition if peace fails to hold in their communities, following recent deadly violence between Ugep and Idomi.
The governor issued the ultimatum on Monday during the 21st Leboku International New Yam Festival in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area, where he condemned the communal clashes that reportedly claimed lives, describing the violence as a “show of shame” and wholly unacceptable.
Represented by Deputy Governor Peter Odey, Mr Otu revealed that the government had considered cancelling the 2026 Leboku festival in the wake of the crisis but ultimately decided to retain it as a platform to promote peace, unity, and brotherhood among the people of Yakurr and neighbouring communities.
The governor made it clear that traditional rulers must ensure peace or forfeit their recognition from the state government. He also stated that the government would not recognise rival factions in the Agoi Ibami leadership dispute until differences were resolved, insisting that it would only deal with one agreed traditional leader following reconciliation among contending parties.
In a gesture of commitment to community development, the governor pledged N50 million for the renovation of the Ugep Peace Stadium to enhance sporting and community facilities.
Yakurr Council Chairman, Yibala Inyang, described Leboku as a celebration of gratitude, culture, unity, and economic opportunity rooted in the first yam harvest, noting that the festival had grown into an international cultural event promoting tourism, agriculture, and economic development across Cross River. He commended the state government and stakeholders for sustaining the festival as a showcase for the state’s cultural heritage.
Spokesman for the Obol Lopon Advisory Council, Azikiwe Williams, praised Governor Otu for ongoing infrastructural projects across Yakurr communities while appealing for the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Ugep Peace Stadium, including the provision of a standby generating set. He also urged the government to extend the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation’s signal to Yakurr to improve residents’ access to official information.
Tourism Commissioner, Obi Offor, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making Leboku a major tourism attraction and economic asset. He said the ministry was improving tourist sites, including the Yakurr waterfall, and encouraged visitors to explore the area’s waterfalls, landscapes, heritage sites, music, dance, arts, and traditions – all of which, he noted, require peace and hospitality for sustainable growth.