By Godwin Adiakpan
The newly installed Village Head of Idung Abiaedi, Esit Eket Local Government Area, Eteidung Jacob Ibok, has called for constitutional roles and sweeping reforms to enhance the traditional institution’s relevance, dignity, and integrity in contemporary governance.
Speaking in his palace during a chat with a correspondent after his presentation to the Esit Eket Traditional Rulers Council, presided over by the Paramount Ruler, Edidem Ubong Assam II, Eteidung Ibok emphasized the need to restore the institution’s esteemed status.
“In the pre-independence era, the traditional institution was dominated by men of integrity and honor and was respected because the constitution assigned significant roles to them,” he noted. “This strengthened the institution and ensured support for government programs and policies. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case today.”
Eteidung Ibok advocated for reforms that would assign constitutional roles to traditional rulers beyond their statutory duties as custodians of traditional values, customs, and heritage. He stressed the need for adherence to traditional selection rites to ensure only individuals with legitimate claims to the throne occupy traditional stools.
During the presentation ceremony, Edidem Ubong Assam II congratulated Eteidung Ibok on his selection as the substantive Village Head of Idung Abiaedi and reminded him of his responsibilities. “Rule with the fear of God, take care of women, widows, and the vulnerable, as you are now a father to them all,” the Paramount Ruler advised.
In his acceptance speech, Eteidung Ibok expressed gratitude to his kinsmen for his selection and appreciated the Esit Eket Traditional Rulers Council for finding him worthy of the position. He pledged to bring honor to his community, safeguard lives and property, foster mutual coexistence, and attract development projects to the village.
“As a retired management staff of a multinational oil company, I will rely on divine wisdom to care for my people while striving for their economic and socio-political well-being to improve their living standards,” he stated, assuring that all interests within the community would be accommodated.
Elder Etim Abia, Chairman of the Idung Abiaedi Village Council, lauded Eteidung Ibok for finally accepting the position after declining it for nearly a decade. He assured him of the council’s support to ensure a peaceful and progressive reign, citing the Village Head’s global exposure and extensive network as assets for the community’s growth and development.
The ceremony marked a new chapter for Idung Abiaedi, with hopes of a more prosperous and harmonious future under Eteidung Ibok’s leadership.
