Uphold peace, dignity, unity, Ibeno Traditional Rulers Council tells new village heads

Tony Okoh, Uyo

The Ibeno Traditional Rulers Council has formally admitted four newly certified village heads into its fold, charging them to uphold peace, dignity, unity and the cultural values of their respective communities.

The new traditional rulers were admitted during a swearing-in ceremony held at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Ibeno Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.

The newly admitted village heads are Obong Joseph Eshiet, Village Head of Upenekang; Obong Mbipom Akpan, Village Head of Itio Esek; Obong Ukalom, Village Head of Okomita; and Obong Isemin Enyina, Village Head of Itak Abasi, all in Ibeno Local Government Area.

The ceremony brought together members of the Ibeno traditional institution, representatives of the local government administration and other stakeholders and marked an important milestone in the traditional administration of the affected communities.

It also signalled the formal assumption of responsibilities by the four village heads within the Ibeno Traditional Rulers Council, while reaffirming the traditional and cultural rights of the recognised communities within the local government area.

The Oath of Allegiance was administered to the new chiefs by Barrister Diamond Akapnika, who charged them to uphold the dignity of their offices and faithfully discharge the responsibilities entrusted to them as traditional leaders and chief security officers of their respective domains.

Akapnika urged the newly sworn-in village heads to see their positions not simply as symbols of honour, but as positions of trust requiring dedication, integrity, wisdom and a strong commitment to the welfare of their people.

The ceremony was witnessed by the Paramount Ruler of Ibeno Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Owong (Dr.) Effiong B. Archianga, who is also the certified Village Head of Okposo 1 and Clan Head of Ibeno Local Government Area.

Also present was his wife, Obonganwan Theresa Archianga; the Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area, Deaconess Glory Ekah, represented by her Vice Chairman, Pharm. Ukpong Okon, as well as members of the Ibeno Traditional Rulers Council and other dignitaries.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Paramount Ruler congratulated the four new traditional rulers on their recognition and admission into the council.

He stressed the strategic role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace, promoting unity, preserving cultural heritage and supporting sustainable development at the grassroots.

According to him, traditional leadership comes with enormous responsibility, adding that the new village heads must serve their people with wisdom, integrity, justice and compassion.

He further urged them to work closely with other traditional rulers, government authorities and community stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence and development across their respective communities and Ibeno Local Government Area as a whole.

The Paramount Ruler also encouraged the new village heads to use their positions to strengthen unity among their people and contribute positively to the growth and stability of their communities.

The newly admitted traditional rulers were subsequently congratulated by members of the traditional institution and other stakeholders, who described their recognition as well-deserved.

The occasion also provided an opportunity for the Ibeno Local Government Council to reaffirm its commitment to maintaining a cordial and productive relationship with the traditional institution.

Speaking through her Vice Chairman, Pharm. Ukpong Okon, the Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area, Deaconess Glory Ekah expressed appreciation to the Paramount Ruler for his remarks and commendation of the council administration.

She said the words of encouragement from the traditional institution would further inspire the administration in its pursuit of purposeful leadership and strengthen collaboration between the local government council and traditional rulers.

The Chairman maintained that the partnership between the local government and the traditional institution remains essential to achieving sustainable development, effective community engagement and lasting peace in Ibeno.

She further reiterated the administration’s determination to work closely with the traditional institution towards building a peaceful, secure and prosperous Ibeno, in line with the ARISE Agenda of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.

The swearing-in ceremony, therefore, represented more than the formal admission of four village heads into the Ibeno Traditional Rulers Council. It also underscored the continued importance of the traditional institution as a critical partner in grassroots governance, peacebuilding, cultural preservation and community development.

The four newly sworn-in village heads were consequently charged to discharge their responsibilities with dignity, wisdom, justice and commitment, while working with relevant stakeholders to promote peace, unity and progress in their respective communities and across Ibeno Local Government Area.