By Kelvin Ololo
A legal practitioner Barrister Antigha Ene William has issued a strong warning to the Paramount Ruler of Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, cautioning against actions allegedly aimed at removing the Village Head of Ikot Ekanem Nya while a related chieftaincy dispute remains before the court.
In a letter dated March 13, 2026, and addressed to the Akpabuyo Traditional Rulers Council in Ikot Nakanda, the law firm of Etubom (Barr.) Antigha Ene William of Antigha William Andem & Associates alleged that the monarch ordered certain individuals to publicly announce the dethronement of the village head.
According to the letter, the lawyers are representing HH Chief Ekpe Asuquo Ema, the certified Village Head of Ikot Ekanem Nya.
The letter claimed that at about 8 p.m on March 12, 2026, the Paramount Ruler allegedly instructed some persons identified as Okon Ene Okon, Okon Etim Effiong, Augustine Asuquo Ndon, Solomon Eno Benson, Ekpo Effa, and Emman Etok Ekpuk to ring the village bell announcing the dethronement of their client.
The legal representatives alleged that the individuals also directed residents of Ikot Ekanem Nya not to recognize Chief Ema as the village head.
They claimed the residents were instead asked to recognize Effiom Ene Okon as the new village head and to renegotiate land, farm, or palm estate leases previously granted by the embattled traditional leader.
The lawyers described the alleged action as illegal and capable of causing a breakdown of law and order in the community.
“Sir, if this information is correct, we dare say your action is most unfortunate, illegal and calculated to cause a breakdown of law and order as well as the likelihood of bloodshed in Ikot Ekanem Nya Village,” the letter stated.
The lawyers noted that the matter is already before the court in Suit No. HCA/1/2026, in which the Paramount Ruler is said to be a principal party.
They also stated that the monarch had already been served with relevant court processes, including a motion for injunction relating to the chieftaincy dispute within the Offiong Ambai Clan.
According to the legal team, any attempt to interfere with the matter while it is pending in court undermines judicial authority and could amount to contempt.
The letter also accused the Paramount Ruler of allegedly relying on what it described as an internal departmental memo that was “not directed to him and was illegally procured.” The lawyers advised that once a matter is submitted to a court of law, all parties should refrain from taking actions relating to the dispute until the court delivers its decision.
They warned that continued interference could lead to contempt proceedings.
“Be warned not to usurp the authority of the court on matters before the court to avert unpleasant consequences… which would impel us to invoke contempt proceedings against you if the situation persists,” the letter added.
The lawyers said their client had been advised to ignore what they described as the “illegal threat” and continue performing his duties as the certified Village Head of Ikot Ekanem Nya until the court rules otherwise.
Copies of the letter were also sent to the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Calabar, the Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, the Divisional Police Officer of Akpabuyo Police Division, and the Chairman of Akpabuyo Local Government Area.
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