Few weeks after the removal from office of Professor Itam Hogan Itam as the Muri Munene of Efut kingdom in Cross River, the state traditional rulers council has inducted a new Munene, HRM Maurice Eyo, saying the induction was to fill the vacant position in the council.
Recall that the immediate past Munene, Professor Itam, was sacked by the state government for allegedly meddling in politics.
Performing the induction ceremony in Calabar, weekend, the chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council, Etinyin (Dr)Etim Okon Edet, explained that the government and the traditional council have nothing to do with selection process of traditional rulers.
He stated that the exercise is normally was the choice and prerogative of the people to do so and then present the person to the council for official recognition/induction.
HRM Edet charged Munene Maurice Eyo to ensure that peace returned not only to Calabar South, but to all the areas that the people of Efut are located in the state.
He urged him to support Gov Ben Ayade-led government, adding “You must support the government in power and any other in -coming government. We must support the Governor Ben Ayade- led government, because we are duty bound to do so to enable it succeed.”
However, Professor Itam has said he had already appealed his removal in Suit No: HC/MISC/154/2022, pending in Calabar High court.
“Contrary to this false and misleading information, unnecessary tension in Calabar South and Efut Kingdom, HRM Munene Professor Itam has gone to court, challenging the wrongful withdrawal of his certificates as clan head, Efut Ukem, Muri Munene of Calabar south and president, Calabar South traditional rulers council,” a press statement signed by 13 of his clan heads and loyalists, stated.
