The Paramount Ruler of Calabar South in Cross River, (HRM) Etubom Nyong Offiong Okon Etim Ewa 1st, has disclosed that the primary causes of communal disputes often arise from the reckless and duplicative sale of land parcels to multiple buyers by one or two individuals. He specifically identified this practice as a significant factor contributing to disputes in the Efut community of Calabar.
In discussions with journalists, the monarch strongly advised against such actions and urged clan heads in the area to prioritize peace for the overall development of Calabar South. He emphasized the need for traditional heads to exhibit their identities by erecting signposts in their respective domains, as mandated by the traditional rulers edict of 1987, to prevent encroachments.
The Paramount Ruler called on all traditional leaders to uphold the values of integrity as genuine custodians of tradition. He encouraged them to initiate programs that foster peaceful coexistence. Ewa appealed to clan and village heads in the region to choose the path of peace over exacerbating tensions with disputes over land matters.
Expressing disapproval of reports regarding overlapping influence and encroachments on land in other domains, the Paramount Ruler clarified that the traditional ruler edict explicitly grants authority solely to village heads over their respective domains without external interference.