Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has come under public scrutiny after reversing a decision to replace the chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council less than a week after announcing the change.
The controversy emerged after two separate letters, both signed by Francis Edet, the governor’s Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, surfaced online with conflicting directives regarding the leadership of the council.
The first letter, dated June 18, informed the council that Felix Ukudare, the Paramount Ruler of the Obudu Traditional Rulers Council, had been appointed as the new chairman. The correspondence directed the incumbent chairman to suspend his ongoing tour of local government areas and begin preparations for a formal handover.
“Consequently, you are advised to cancel your current tour of Local Government Areas and prepare your handover note to the incoming chairman as the department prepares the swearing-in of the new chairman by the governor, which comes up very soon.”
However, five days later, a second letter dated June 23 overturned the earlier directive. The new correspondence announced an extension of tenure for the incumbent chairman, granting him another two years in office.
“The Department of Chieftaincy Affairs is pleased to inform you that Governor Otu, after a thorough assessment of your performance, has graciously extended your tenure as chairman of the state’s Traditional Rulers Council for another two years.”
The letter further clarified that the extension cancelled the previously announced leadership change.
The conflicting decisions triggered widespread reactions on social media, with many residents questioning the administration’s decision-making process. Critics described the development as embarrassing and raised concerns about possible political influence in the management of the Traditional Rulers Council.
Responding to the controversy, Francis Edet insisted that every action taken by his office received the governor’s approval and complied with existing laws governing the council. He maintained that the governor possesses the authority to extend the tenure of the council chairman after the initial two-year term.
The Cross River State Government has continued to defend the decision, describing it as a lawful exercise of the governor’s executive powers under the relevant chieftaincy regulations.
