Otu Sacks Traditional Rulers Council Chair, Reinstates Him Five Days Later

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has come under criticism after reversing the removal of the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council barely five days after ordering his replacement.

The dramatic turnaround followed the emergence of two official letters from the state government containing conflicting directives on the leadership of the council, raising questions about decision-making within the administration.

The first letter, dated June 18 and signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, Francis Edet, informed the council chairman that Governor Otu had approved the appointment of the Paramount Ruler of Obudu Traditional Rulers Council, Felix Ukudare, as the new chairman of the body.

The letter, titled “Appointment of a New Chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council,” directed the incumbent chairman to immediately halt an ongoing statewide tour and prepare handover notes ahead of the swearing-in of his successor.

“This is to inform you that Governor Otu has approved the appointment of Felix Ukudare, the Paramount Ruler of Obudu Traditional Rulers Council, as the new chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council,” the letter stated.

It further instructed the chairman to discontinue official engagements and facilitate a smooth transition process.

However, in a surprising twist, a second letter dated June 23 surfaced five days later, overturning the earlier directive.

The new correspondence, also signed by Mr Edet, announced the extension of the incumbent chairman’s tenure by another two years.

According to the letter, Governor Otu approved the renewal after what was described as a satisfactory assessment of the chairman’s performance.

“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 read.

It added that the tenure extension effectively cancelled the earlier announcement regarding a change in leadership.

The abrupt reversal sparked widespread reactions across social media, particularly after copies of both letters circulated online.

Many residents questioned how a major decision involving one of the state's most important traditional institutions could be reversed within such a short period.

Some critics described the development as embarrassing and damaging to the credibility of the government, while others alleged political interference in the affairs of the council.

Reacting online, several residents questioned whether due process was followed in both decisions and called for greater transparency from the government.

Others expressed concern that the controversy could undermine public confidence in the traditional institution and its leadership structure.

Responding to the controversy, Governor Otu’s spokesperson, Linus Obogo, referred inquiries to the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs.

Mr Edet defended the actions of the government, insisting that all decisions taken by his office were approved by the governor and guided by existing laws governing the Traditional Rulers Council.

“There’s nothing I do in my office without the approval of the governor,” he said.

According to him, the chairman had completed his statutory two-year tenure but the governor retained the authority to extend it if deemed necessary.

“Everybody who is there is supposed to be there for two years. The incumbent has exhausted his tenure, and if, by the prerogative of the governor, he decides to extend it, he has the power,” Mr Edet stated.

The development has nevertheless intensified scrutiny of the Otu administration's handling of traditional institutions, with critics arguing that the conflicting directives have raised broader concerns about consistency, transparency and governance in the state.