By Asam Abia|Akpan Akata
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State — A storm is brewing in Akwa Ibom State over the lingering dispute surrounding Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, known locally as Akoiyak Ekid, as accusations of spiritual compromise, government injustice, and religious hypocrisy rise to a fever pitch.
At the center of the controversy is a prominent pastor-turned-governor, whose administration is being accused of betraying the Ekid people by allegedly attempting to expropriate ancestral land, despite multiple court rulings affirming the community’s ownership.
Even more troubling to many observers is the deafening silence of Akwa Ibom’s high-profile religious leaders—referred to locally as the “Fathers of Faith”—who had previously endorsed the governor during his campaign on the strength of his pastoral background.
Now, questions are mounting: Where are these religious leaders when troubling allegations arise, not just of political betrayal, but of spiritual compromise?
Allegations of Traditional Rites and Intimidation: The controversy deepened following allegations that a religious leader in the administration dispatched paramount rulers with “Ayoi” (juju) to summon a woman from Esit Eket, a move viewed by critics as not only a spiritual contradiction but also a form of intimidation.
“The same man who once held a Bible is now allegedly using Mbiam and Ayoi to pursue land ownership?” questioned one local elder. “Is this in line with the teachings of Christ?”
Community voices are demanding clarity: Did this happen, or not? If not, religious leaders are being asked to help dispel the rumors. If it did, then silence—many argue—is no longer an option.
Legal and Moral Crisis, Stubbs Creek, a vast expanse rich in biodiversity and oil, has long been contested. But courts have repeatedly ruled in favor of the Ekid people. The 2023 Akwa Ibom State Map Law, passed by the House of Assembly, also affirms their claim.
Despite this, the land is allegedly being parceled out to companies without the consent of its rightful owners. Residents accuse the state government of hiding behind endless committees while engaging in covert land deals.
Activists see this as more than a legal infraction. “It is a spiritual and moral affront,” one community spokesperson declared. “To deny a people their ancestral land is to erase their identity.”
The role of religious leaders in the governor’s rise to power is now being called into question. During the 2023 election cycle, several clerics publicly supported his candidacy, citing his faith and pastoral integrity.
But critics argue that their silence now amounts to complicity, or worse, hypocrisy.
“If you blessed him on the altar, why won’t you correct him now?” a community leader asked. “You can’t preach holiness on Sunday and ignore injustice on Monday.”
The worry among some is that the fallout could tarnish not only one man’s political legacy but the moral authority of the church in public life.
From blocked access roads to alleged security harassment at Esit Eket’s palm plantation, many in the affected communities feel abandoned. Women, youth, and elders alike say they are suffering for refusing to “trade” their land.
“The people are not rejoicing,” one Esit Eket youth leader said, referencing the biblical verse often quoted by the faithful: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.
This is no longer a simple land dispute. For many, it represents a clash between truth and compromise, faith and fear, integrity and silence.
Observers warn that unless the Fathers of Faith speak up now, they risk eroding the trust that once made it possible for a man of God to gain public office.
“History will ask you,” the narrative concludes, “Did you defend truth when it mattered, or protect your own?”
As the land cries, the people watch, and heaven records, Akwa Ibom’s moral compass hangs in the balance.
