By CrossRiverWatch Admin
His Royal Majesty, Ogamode Eje Ipoule, has been elected as the new Paramount Ruler of Yala Local Government Area in Cross River State.
His emergence followed a peaceful and transparent election held on Monday, June 30, 2025, after Governor Bassey Otu okayed for the exercise to take place.
Speaking on the outcome, the Alternate Chairman of NORTHCCO, Francis Finian Offionor, commended the governor’s support and intentions for the state and Yala people.
“On this note, I say thank you, Your Excellency, you are an incredible man and I am super proud of you,” he said.
Offionor also praised the peaceful nature of the election and its credibility, describing it as evidence of Yala’s hospitality and unity.
“The free, fair and credible election that elected HRM Ogamode Eje is a testament that Yala is a peaceful place and remains one of the most hospitable LGAs in the state. The emergence of His Royal Majesty, Ogamode Eje Ipoule, has created a warm atmosphere in Yala, as the people are in jubilation for the feat achieved today.”
Yala LGA had been without a substantive paramount ruler for over a year, following the death of HRM Ogamode Clement Onah Ipoule, who passed away after a brief illness.
Offionor recognized the role played by the Chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Solomon Osim Edward, the Paramount Ruler of Abi, who oversaw the election process.
“Let me also acknowledge the role the Chairman of Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council played, His Royal Majesty, Solomon Osim Edward, the Paramount Ruler of Abi, who monitored, supervised, and superintended over the election which saw the overwhelming votes pulled for the winner.”
He explained: “Let it be on record, Yala has 19 clan heads, four were absent due to ill-health and other unforeseen circumstances, while four currently do not have certificates, which automatically disqualified them from participating. The remaining eleven clan heads pulled all eleven votes for His Royal Majesty, Ogamode Eje Ipoule, and emerged winner after due diligence.”
The Special Adviser to Governor Otu on Chieftaincy Affairs, Sir. Frank Edet, and his team also monitored the process.
Describing the event, Edet said it was among the most peaceful elections ever witnessed within the state’s traditional leadership framework. He lauded the people of Yala for election conduct.
“I also want to appreciate all sons and daughters of Yala who played one role or the other for maintaining calm and order in the process, even when the Yala Local Government Council Chairman tried to truncate the process by raising fake security so that the election could be postponed for reasons best known to him. But the will of the people triumphed.”
“Thank you Yala youths, women, and elders. You are indeed, the true ambassadors of peace.”
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