Gov. Otu Reinstates Prof. Itam As Muri Munene, Paramount Ruler of Efuts
By Judex OKORO
Governor Bassey Edet Otu has directed the immediate reinstatement of His Royal Majesty, Prof. Itam Hogan Itam, as the village head of Obufa Obio Ukem, clan head of Efut Ukem, Muri Munene and paramount ruler of the Efuts.
In a press released dated February 29, 2024 and by chief press secretary to Governor, Emmanuel Ogbeche, Otu said the decision is based on the ruling of the High Court of Cross River State in Suit No. HC/MSC/154/2022 between HRM Muri Munene (Prof.) Itam Hogan Itam vs. Governor of Cross River State and 2 others delivered on July 19, 2022, which set aside the removal of Prof. Itam as the village head of Obufa Obio Ukem, Clan Head of Efut Ukem, Muri Munene and Paramount Ruler of the Efuts.
The Governor noted that Prof. Itam Hogan Itam is the only and duly recognised Village Head of Obufa Obio Ukem, Clan Head of Efut Ukem, Muri Munene and Paramount Ruler of the Efuts, as any other person will be regarded as an impostor and such a person would be contravening section 37 of the Traditional Rulers Law, Cap T4, Laws of Cross River State, 2004, and shall be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Governor Otu, while congratulating His Royal Majesty Muri Munene, Prof. Itam Hogan Itam, on his restoration to the throne of his forefathers, urged him to pursue peace, inclusion and work towards the good of all Efuts and the State in general.
