Ayade sacks two monarchs in Cross River over communal land crisis

Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade, has ordered the dethronement of the Obol lopon of Nko, Etim Ayomobi, in Yakurr and the Clan Head of Oyadama, Ovarr Vincent Erena, in Obubra local government areas.

The directive was announced after the governor’s security meeting on the crisis that erupted over a land dispute between the two communities.

This was made known on Tuesday in a press release signed by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to Governor, Mr Linus Obogo.

According to release, the dethronement and de-certification of the two monarchs and all other traditional rulers in the two warring communities were the result of the intractable communal clashes.

Nko and Oyadama communities have been at war over a piece of land which its ownership has now been revoked and taken over by Cross River state government for overriding public interest.

“The ownership of the disputed land has been revoked and taken over by the state government for overriding public interest.

“Additionally, government has ordered the sustenance of army operation in Nko community until those behind the shooting of the six military personnel are produced or fished out,” the statement said.