Traditional ruler urges servant leadership, warns against division among Ibibio People

Tony Okoh, Uyo

President General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers and Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, has called for greater unity, peace, and inclusive development among the Ibibio people, stressing that visionary and selfless leadership remains central to sustainable progress in any society.

The revered monarch made the call yesterday when he received the leadership of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio at his Imperial Palace in Ikot Okobo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking during the visit, the Oku Ibom Ibibio emphasized that communities and institutions only achieve lasting success when guided by leaders who prioritize service, inclusiveness, and collective wellbeing over personal interests.

According to him, the challenges confronting many societies today are a reminder of the urgent need for leaders who can inspire unity, build consensus, and foster trust among diverse groups.

“Leadership is the ability to bring people together, and every leader must adopt the attitude of a servant-leader rooted in humility,” the royal father said.

He commended the outgoing International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, James Edet, NPOM, and his executive council for what he described as a remarkable and impactful tenure.

The Oku Ibom Ibibio particularly praised the outgoing leadership for steering the organisation through a difficult period, restoring stability, and strengthening internal cohesion.

He noted that under Edet’s leadership, the organisation demonstrated maturity, resilience, and the ability to resolve internal differences through consensus-building, leaving behind a more united and forward-looking institution.

Addressing the incoming leadership, the traditional ruler urged them to build on the foundation already laid while introducing reforms that would further strengthen the organisation’s future.

“I commend the leadership selection process of Mboho and pray that one day such a process will be replicated at higher levels of society,” he added.

Ntenyin Etuk also observed that the visit was significant as it reflected the peace and unity now prevailing within Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio after earlier internal challenges that threatened its stability.

He, however, cautioned against disunity among Ibibio sons and daughters, warning against betrayal and self-interest, and urging collective commitment to the Ibibio cause.

“Ibibio people must stop betraying one another. Everyone should toe the same path and uphold the Ibibio cause without fear. We must learn to watch out for one another,” he said.

The monarch further stressed the importance of peace and security across communities, noting that while disagreements are inevitable, they must never be allowed to undermine collective progress.

“Under my watch, I want everything in Ibibio land to move seamlessly. There will be disagreements along the way, but it is very important to pursue peace with all men,” he added.

He also called for prayers for Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State, urging political leaders to embrace inclusive governance that ensures every citizen feels a sense of belonging.

Earlier in his remarks, the outgoing International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, James Edet, NPOM, expressed gratitude to the Oku Ibom Ibibio for his continued support and for granting the delegation audience at short notice.

He said his administration inherited a challenging situation marked by internal and financial difficulties but was able to restore stability and reposition the organisation.

“I promised Your Eminence that I would reposition Mboho, and today I have come with the leaders of this organization to inform you that I have kept that promise,” he said.

According to him, his leadership successfully rebranded Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio as a strong voice for Ibibio interests both in Nigeria and in the diaspora, while also expanding its institutional capacity.

He highlighted key achievements, including the renovation of the International Secretariat, revitalisation of Mboho Unity Schools, and strengthening of organisational structures.

He further disclosed that during his tenure, new chapters were established in New Jersey, Arizona, and Connecticut in the United States; Toronto and Calgary in Canada; Leinster and Berlin in Europe; as well as Uyo Metropolitan and Ikorodu in Nigeria, expanding the organisation’s global footprint across four continents.

“We met Mboho in a challenging situation, but today we have restored it, rebranded it as a formidable voice for Ibibio interests, expanded its global reach, and strengthened its foundations for future growth,” he said.

He added that the visit was also to formally appreciate the monarch, present the incoming executive council, and invite him to the inauguration ceremony scheduled for July 24, 2026.

In his response, the newly elected 12th International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, IniAbasi Ekanem, thanked the Oku Ibom Ibibio for his warm reception and pledged to deepen collaboration with traditional institutions in advancing the interests of the Ibibio people.

The monarch thereafter offered prayers and bestowed royal blessings on the incoming executive council.

Earlier, the Chairman of the 2026 Mboho Electoral Committee, Sylvester Akpan, briefed the royal father on the peaceful, transparent, and credible conduct of the election that produced the new leadership.

The delegation included past international presidents, founding members, elected officials, senior special assistants, and other key stakeholders of the organisation.