A cross section of traditional rulers at the 21st Leboku International New Yam Festival held at the Yakurr Peace Stadium in Ugep, Cross River State.
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has warned that traditional rulers who fail to maintain peace in their communities risk losing their certificates of recognition, declaring that his administration will not tolerate violence capable of threatening the state’s security, tourism and economic growth.
The governor issued the warning on Monday during the 21st Leboku International New Yam Festival held at the Yakurr Peace Stadium in Ugep, where he strongly condemned the recent communal clash between Ugep and Idumi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area.
Otu described the violence, which claimed lives, as a disgrace and lamented that it contradicted the ideals of peace and unity that the annual cultural festival represents.
He disclosed that the state government had considered cancelling the 2026 Leboku Festival because of the crisis but eventually decided against it, noting that the event remains a symbol of peace, brotherhood and cultural harmony among the Yakurr people.
«“I wish to condemn in entirety the recent inter-communal war between Ugep and Idumi communities, which led to the loss of precious lives. To the warring communities and other Yakurr communities which may have aligned with the combatants, I condemn this in its entirety. It was indeed a show of shame,” Otu said.»
The governor called on traditional institutions across the state to play more active roles in preventing communal conflicts, stressing that they remain the first custodians of peace within their domains.
Addressing the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, Otu acknowledged the monarch’s peaceful reign over the past 11 years but questioned why the latest conflict escalated under his watch.
«“Your 11 years of reign on the throne of your forefathers have so far been peaceful and impactful. What went wrong beyond your control this time? As the head of the entire Yakurr nation, you must control your subjects,” he said.»
The governor reminded village heads, clan heads, paramount rulers and other recognised traditional rulers that safeguarding peace and preserving their communities’ customs and traditions remain central to their responsibilities.
He warned that the government would not hesitate to sanction any traditional ruler whose community becomes a hotspot for violence.
«“The state government will therefore not fail to withdraw the certificate of recognition from any royal father where there is a breakdown of peace in his domain. Tourism cannot thrive in a volatile and chaotic environment,” Otu said.»
The governor also addressed the leadership dispute in Agoi Ibami community, declaring that the state government would not recognise any faction until the community resolved its differences.
His position followed an appeal by the Obol Lopon Advisory Council, whose Publicity Secretary, Comrade Azikiwe Williams, informed the governor that two individuals had been presented as Chief and Clan Head of Agoi Ibami on the same day, creating tension within the community.
Responding, Otu said:
«“The Cross River State Government will not recognise any of the camps of the two people who are parading themselves presently in Agoi Ibami.”»
He maintained that government recognition would only be granted after the community agreed on a single leader through a peaceful resolution.
Speaking on the festival’s theme, “Rooted in Culture, Growing in Prosperity,” the governor said it aligns with his administration’s commitment to using agriculture and cultural heritage to stimulate economic development and create employment opportunities.
According to him, the Leboku Festival has grown beyond a traditional yam harvest celebration into a major cultural and economic platform capable of attracting investors, tourists and development partners to Cross River State.
Otu linked the festival’s agricultural significance to his administration’s green economic agenda, saying government interventions were helping farmers transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.
«“Through the mechanised system of agriculture enabled by my administration, through the provision of tractors, ploughing machines and other machinery, enterprises have been moved from subsistence to large-scale farming with attendant access to markets. This translates into increased farming income,” he said.»
The governor further revealed that his administration recently unveiled a $70 billion public-private partnership investment package, with approximately $1.5 billion dedicated to agriculture.
He listed rice production, fisheries, dairy farming, trawler fishing and oil palm cultivation among the sectors expected to benefit from the investment.
Earlier, Yakurr Local Government Chairman, Hon. Yibala Inyang, described the Leboku Festival as a celebration of thanksgiving, cultural heritage, unity and economic prosperity.
He noted that what began as a traditional thanksgiving for the first yam harvest has evolved into an internationally recognised cultural event that promotes tourism, agriculture and economic development.
Inyang commended the state government and stakeholders for sustaining the festival, saying it continues to project Cross River positively while attracting Yakurr sons and daughters from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Speaking on behalf of the Obol Lopon Advisory Council, Comrade Azikiwe Williams praised Governor Otu for ongoing infrastructure projects in Yakurr and appealed for greater attention to rural development.
He specifically requested the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Ugep Peace Stadium, including the provision of a standby generator, while also calling on the government to improve the signal coverage of the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) in Yakurr.
Williams said poor reception had denied many residents access to government programmes and public information.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Obi Ayuk Offor, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing Leboku into one of Nigeria’s leading cultural tourism festivals.
He described the event as a reflection of Yakurr’s rich cultural identity, ancestral heritage and communal values, adding that efforts were underway to improve tourist attractions in the area, including the cleanup of the Yakurr waterfall.
Offor encouraged visitors to explore the area’s waterfalls, heritage sites, music, dance, arts and natural landscapes beyond the festival period, while urging residents to sustain peace and hospitality, insisting that tourism can only flourish in a peaceful environment.
