The Paramount Ruler of Uyo Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty Sylvanus Okon, has warned against violence even as he called for re-election of Etoi Clan Head within two weeks.
Okon made the pronouncement when the parties involved in the tussle took the matter to the him for mediation, at Uyo Traditional Rulers Council complex at the weekend.
It was gathered that the earlier election conducted was marred by fraud as Etteidung Aniedi Ebong, where the acting chairman of Etoi Clan Council was allegedly shelved.
Ebong had petitioned the nefarious action as it was not diligently followed as required by the established due process of selecting a new clan head which required public election by all the thirteenth certified village heads from the clan.
But, Okon after weighing the situation during the reconciliation meeting, vendicated Ebong but expressed shock for the clan to be engaging in such fierce bidding to the headship of the clan.
The monarch, who recommended that due process should be carried, noted that all parties involved must do away with bitterness against one another to evade further upheaval.
“You all are brothers, for you to be fighting one another shouldn’t be found in the traditional institution,” he admonished.
Fielding questions after the meeting, the village head of Ifa Ikot Okpon and member of Etoi Clan Council, Etteidung Uwem Udo, expressed happiness over the fatherly role the monarch has played in calming the built up tension in the clan.
He also expressed shock that some group of persons wanted to thwart the age long tradition wish has enable the clan to conduct selection successfully.
“The Paramount Ruler has told us to back and do the needful. He said we should go back and do the right thing as tradition demands and not turn it to a war zone that may end in court,” he said.
Asking how the selection could be done amicably, Udo said “it is very simple. it is all about understanding, we are all brothers and sisters. So, there should be quarrel but when someone tries to create amenity, it will not be decent.”
