By Jonathan Ugbal
In a bid to preserve custom and cultural values that sustained their ancestors before the advent of western civilization, the grand monarch and paramount ruler of Obudu local government area, Uti Joseph Agba has called on his people to return to communal living and being their brothers’ keeper.
The monarch made this call during the official coronation ceremony of Moses Odikpo as the clan head of Ukworotung clan in Utugwang north ward of Obudu council area and formal induction as a member of the traditional rulers council.
The octogenarian who is the longest serving Paramount Ruler in Nigeria, having led in his position for over fifty years, commended the people of Ukworotung for collectively and without acrimony ‘placing their hands’ on HRH Chief Moses Odikpo, stressing the need for continuous peace and unity amongst the units of the clan which should be extended to other communities.
While decrying the deplorable state of roads in the community, particularly the Ukworotung – Alege road, he urged the people to return to the communal way of life and not to wait until government works on the road. He encouraged them, as a community, to carry out some remedial work on the road to ease their stress while plying the route.
He concluded by assuring them that since they have spoken with love and with the official coronation of their clan head, Chief Moses Odikpo, the community now has a say in the traditional rulers’ council, thereby bringing effective representation to the people.
A member of the council, Chief Augustine Nawa, in a vote of thanks re-emphasized the need for people to return to the communal way of living and be at peace with their neighbors.
He also said that the local government was now in the threshold of history having produced the governor-elect. He said the council area will now be watched keenly to see how the people conduct themselves.
Speaking with CrossRiverWatch, the clan head, Chief Moses Odikpo thanked his people for putting their faith in him even when he doubted his capabilities and promised to effectively represent his people while asking for their cooperation.