•’I’ll leave my lawyer to comment’
Aforemost socio-cultural group in Akwa Ibom State, Ikpanya Clan Development Union, has accused the paramount ruler of Ibiono Ibom, His Royal Majesty Edidem Ime Udousoro Inyang, of plotting to sell a parcel of land belonging to the clan, to Arochukwu in Abia State.
This was contained in a letter dated March 30, 2022, addressed to the Office of the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Commissioner of Police, Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Chairman and Ibiono Ibom Traditional Rulers Council.
The letter, signed by President of the forum, Mr. Ekpenyong Udoekong; Secretary, Mr. Jacob Udoaba and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Okokon David, alleged that the monarch, in connivance with the Ikpanya Clan Head, His Royal Highness Isaac Onosin, were making efforts to execute the transaction after holding meetings in Arochukwu, Abia State and signing secret documents.
Read Also: Ondo monarch hospitalised after release from kidnappers
Ikpanya and Arochukwu have been involved in an age-long interstate boundary-related conflict, which sometimes leads to death, maiming and destruction of properties.
Following the latest wave of crisis this year, peace talks ensued. Talks later failed as Ikpanya people lamented that the paramount ruler did not consider their interest during his solo trips to Arochukwu for negotiation.
According to the association, the paramount ruler only agreed to the demands of Arochukwu people and ignored presenting the concerns of Ikpanya throughout the negotiation.
It said the issue of justice for the killing and gang-rape of Ikpanya people by Arochukwu indigenes was never raised by the monarch during his trips and negotiations with Arochukwu.
Contacted, HRM Inyang said: “I can’t speak on that. I’ll leave my lawyer to comment on the matter.”