By Our Reporter
The Efut Combined Assembly, the apex decision-making body in Efut nation has again warned that it will resist any attempts by some persons or group of persons to desecrate the exalted traditional stool of its kingdom
The warning is contained in a press release signed by the Paramount ruler and Muri Munene of Efut, His Royal Majesty, Maurice Okon Eyo 1 and the Secretary-General of Efut Combined Assembly, Dr Godwin Bassey and made available to the media in Calabar.
In the release, the Assembly made it clear that it has been informed of plans by some Efut indigenes led by an acclaimed Muri Munene to organise a grand reception for Efut indigenes in diaspora, a situation it said was inimical to the progress of the nation.
The Assembly maintained that it will continue to rely on a court judgement by the State High Court with suit number HC/102/2020, which issued an order of interlocutory injunction restraining Professor Itam Hogan Itam from parading himself as the Paramount ruler of the Efuts and even interfering with the affairs of the Efut Combined Assembly as well as carrying out traditional matters, including installation and conferment of titles on behalf of Efut nation.
The Assembly also relied on a panel report dated May 11, 2022, which stripped him of all traditional titles and appurtenances of office to pave way for his interest in partisan politics and requested him to surrender his Certificate of Recognition to the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs in the Governor’s Office, Calabar.
Reacting to this incident, the Muri Munene in Council and Grand Patriarch of Efut Kingdom, Muri Munene Maurice Okon Eyo 1 said he was not only surprised but also embarrassed by this flagrant disregard to court orders and government position on the matter.
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The Muri Munene in Council stated categorically that the Council of Muris had long concluded a selection process and chosen a replacement for the acclaimed and deposed Muri Munene and the same was presented to the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council.
The royal father maintained that any other person who parades himself as Muri Munene is not only an impostor but runs foul of the law, hence due process will follow in dealing decisively with such matters.
He wondered why someone who has been deposed and captured in a Government Gazette should continue to demonstrate such flagrant abuse of power and utter disregard to laid down rules and procedural steps. I
