Any Person Who Kills In Yakurr Must Pay With His Head – Obol Lopon

By Odey Ojeka

The paramount ruler of Yakurr LGA and Obol Lopon of Ugep, Obol Ofem Ubana on Saturday warned that any Yakurr son who kills will pay with his head.

Obol Ofem stated this while receiving a group of physically challenged people under the aegis of the Better Future physically challenged persons in his palace where he stressed the need for Yakurr sons and daughters to co-exist in harmony and key into the small arms disarmament program of the EU and ECOWAS recently launched in the state.

“I am really happy and grateful for you people to come and congratulate me as the new paramount ruler of Yakurr.

“Whom much is given,much is expected. I am here for you all. Biblically, leaders are ordained by God. You people choosed me to lead you. And I know I am ordained by God to rule our dear land.

“Ever since i became the Obol Lopon, my quest had been to bring development which will be beneficial to the youths of our dear land.

“It is really bad that after graduating from the university you don’t get a job. During my time,I will support all the youths in Yakurr especially the physically challenged persons,” Obol Ofem said and pointed out that he is in touch with a company to set up a factory in Yakurr that will employ youths.

“Few months ago, I travelled to Lagos to meet with foreigners who want to build a company which will employ many of our youths if established here in Yakurr”.

“I want the youths to desist from acts of violence because any persons that kill in Yakurr must pay with his head.

“I must always stand for the truth because before I became the Obol Lopon, I have sworn in Ukpawen that I must always tell the truth.

“But, because of hatred,some persons have carried an allegation against us that there are arms in my palace.

“I know as a leader no matter how you do good to the people,some persons will still hate.

“Few days ago, I was in calabar in a meeting organized by the European Union in collaboration with ECOWAS, our state government is ready to provide alternative livelihood as well as micro projects to individuals who voluntarily surrender their arms and to communities from which weapons will be discovered.

“As a good leader, I want peace in my community, if we live in peace, good things will come to our land,” he said.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Ubi Eno Inah said there were more than 300 physically challenged persons in Yakurr but due to financial constraints borne out of their being unemployed, life was difficult and pleaded that the state employs its members who are graduates and “have talents but what is lacking is materials.”

In an interview with CrossRiverWatch, Mr. Inah congratulated Obol Ofem on his appointment and pointed out that with his pedigree and exposure in both the public service and military as well as his wealth of experience, he shall contribute to the upliftment of Yakurr communities.

“we canvassed our support for him and pray for his successful reign,” Mr. Inah said.

One of the physically challenged persons from Idomi, Mr Jack said: “Obol Ofem Ubana deserved the elevation based on his impeccable character,sense of discipline,humanity and integrity.

Jack noted that the emerging trend in leadership positions require enterprising individuals with deep knowledge of their people and community needs.