Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has warned traditional rulers across the state to ensure peace in their respective domains or risk losing their certificates and staff of office.

Otu issued the warning through his Deputy, Dr Peter Odey, during the annual International Leboku Festival in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area.

The governor condemned the recent inter-communal clashes between Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr, which resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property.

He described the violence as a “show of shame” that cast a shadow over the festival, noting that cancelling the event would have defeated its purpose of promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among communities in the Yakurr Nation.

Otu reminded traditional rulers, clan heads and other recognised community leaders of their responsibility to uphold peace, customs and traditions in their respective domains.

He warned that the state government would withdraw certificates of recognition and staff of office from traditional rulers whose domains experience persistent breakdown of peace.

The governor also said the government would not recognise parallel traditional leadership structures in areas where communities have failed to unite behind a single representative.

The Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, Chief Inyang Yibala Igri, appealed to the warring communities to embrace peace and remember their shared history and brotherhood.

Igri urged residents to put their differences aside and prioritise development, stressing that prosperity could only be achieved through unity.

He also encouraged youths to embrace agriculture as a business while urging elders to provide guidance and support.

The Obol Lopon of Ugep and Traditional Ruler of Yakurr, HRM Obol Ufem Ubana, reaffirmed the commitment of traditional leaders to sustaining peace and brotherhood in the area.

However, he expressed concern over dual coronations, particularly in Agoi-Ibami, saying the development had created tension within the community.

Ubana also appealed to the state government to upgrade the Ugep Stadium and improve the coverage of Yakurr by the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation.

He appreciated the government for recent political appointments involving indigenes of Yakurr and called for continued support for the community.