The Crisis Management Committee of the Mbume Blocks of Clans in Etung Local Council, Cross River State, has urged the state government to reinstate the suspended Paramount Ruler, Dr Emmanuel Oru-Ojong, without delay.

The committee, which represents the Abia, Bendeghe Ekiem, and Etomi communities, also called for the prosecution of the Clan Head of Ajassor, Ntufam Anthony Ntui Eta, for allegedly defying a perpetual injunction issued by the High Court of Cross River State.

According to the group, the ongoing dispute over the paramount stool of Etung can only be resolved if Oru-Ojong, whom they recognise as the substantive traditional ruler, is restored to office. They argued that the concept of an “acting paramount ruler” does not exist in Etung tradition, adding that Justice Elias Abuo had already delivered judgment in suit No. HC/96/2022 declaring Ntufam Eta an impostor.

“The government must respect the ruling of the court and ensure Oru-Ojong resumes his rightful duties,” the committee said, while appealing to Governor Bassey Otu to intervene and restore peace to the traditional institution.

In a swift response, Ntufam Eta dismissed calls for his removal. Speaking by telephone, he said: “No one has formally written to me asking for my removal. You cannot shave a man’s beard in his absence. A matter like this cannot be discussed over the phone.”