…Leboku must promote peace, not division, government warns
By Onwa Ekor
Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has called for calm in Yakurr local government area, warning that the state would withdraw certificates of recognition from traditional rulers whose domains descend into disorder.
Speaking at the 2026 Leboku International New Yam Festival held at the Ugep Peace Stadium, Otu said the recent communal violence between Ugep and Idomi communities had cast a pall over this year’s celebration.
He described the clashes as a “show of shame” declaring that government would no longer recognize any camp or faction that refuses to unite under one leadership.
“To our royal fathers, clan heads and all traditional authorities: uphold peace, custom and tradition in your domains.
“Failure to do so will attract sanctions, including withdrawal of government recognition,” the governor said.
He reasoned that cancelling the festival would have defeated Leboku’s core purpose of fostering unity among the Yakurr people, even though the atmosphere this year was dampened by the loss of lives in the conflict.
The governor’s comments come weeks after the state imposed curfews to contain tensions between Ugep and Idomi over a lingering land dispute.
Yakurr local government Chairman, Chief Inyang Yibala, also urged residents to embrace development over destruction.
“This festival should renew our commitment to peace and prosperity,” he said.
The Obol Lopon of Ugep, Obol Ofem Ubana, appealed for a peaceful resolution of the chieftaincy dispute in Agoi-Ibami and requested government assistance to extend broadcasting coverage to Yakurr communities.
The Leboku festival marks the new yam harvest and is celebrated annually by the Yakurr people as a symbol of thanksgiving, unity and cultural heritage.
