By Our Crime Reporter
UYO, A bitter family headship crisis in Ikot Ofon Ikono Village, Uyo Local Government Area, has escalated into a full-blown legal battle, as community leaders drag the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon, and four others before the High Court, seeking recognition, reinstatement, and ₦15 million in damages.
The suit, numbered HU/221/2025, was filed by Obong Udoma Bassey and Obong Godwin Akpane, representing the Nung Udoid and Nung Akaar families. The claimants are challenging their dethronement as family heads and demanding judicial validation of their positions, alongside compensation for alleged emotional distress and legal costs.
Those joined in the suit include:
Chief Polycarp Sunday Udo Udo, Village Head of Ikot Ofon Ikono
Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon, Paramount Ruler of Uyo LGA
Mr. Uduak Udoma, Chairman, Nung Essien Etuk Uko Family
Obong Bassey Sunday Bassey – Family Head, Nung Essien Etuk Uko Family
Pastor Emmanuel Okon Rankin, Secretary, Nung Essien Etuk Uko Family
When contacted, Chief Polycarp Sunday Udo Udo, Village Head of Ikot Ofon Ikono, confirmed that the dethronement of the family heads was on the orders of the Paramount Ruler. He disclosed that he had attempted to broker peace, even scheduling a reinstallation ceremony with the monarch’s initial consent.
However, the process collapsed dramatically when Etubom George Ikpe, Clan Head of Ikono, halted the ceremony, announcing that he had received a call from the Paramount Ruler instructing him to cancel the reinstatement immediately.
Etubom Ikpe urged the claimants to withdraw the case or at least strike out the Paramount Ruler’s name from the suit, warning that “His Royal Majesty was furious when he was served the summons.”
The sudden reversal has deepened suspicions among villagers, who accuse the monarch of obstructing justice and intimidating the claimants.
Community members recall that ten families were recognized on the same day over two years ago, yet only two Nung Udoid and Nung Akaar have been stripped of leadership. This selective dethronement has triggered allegations of bias and manipulation.
“If this isn’t victimization, why target only two families?” one community elder queried.
As tensions rise, residents have called on the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to urgently wade into the crisis before it degenerates into communal unrest.
“This is no longer a family affair,” a youth leader said. “It is a matter of justice, peace, and public order. Government cannot afford to look away.”
Claimants Press for Justice
The claimants are seeking judicial reliefs, including:
A declaration affirming them as legitimate family heads.
Judicial validation of their family recognition.
A perpetual injunction restraining further interference.
₦10 million in damages for emotional distress and exclusion.
₦5 million for legal costs.
The matter is still pending before the Uyo High Court, as both the judiciary and government face mounting pressure to resolve the dispute before it escalates into a larger communal crisis.
