Culture

Cross River community protests nonreinstatement of suspended traditional ruler

Published

3 years ago

November 3, 2023

Clan heads of Mbume Blocs in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River have protested the non reinstatement of the suspended paramount ruler of the local government, Dr Emmanuel Ojong.

The clan heads noted that the non reinstatement of Ojong had been a drawback for the council area and its people. According to a statement made available to newsmen in Calabar on Thursday, the protest took place following a joint session of the clan heads at Etung.

In the statement signed by Ojong Mathew, Head of Abia Clan; Obase Erim, Head of Bendeghe Ekiem community and Raphael Agbor, on behalf of Etomi, said it was sacrilegious to change a sitting paramount ruler alive.

They called on the state government to obey a court order that ruled in favour of Ojong reinstatement. They noted his reinstatement would ensure the protection as well as preservation of the traditional institution.

According to the statement, “Our paramount ruler who was selected according to our norms and values cannot be dethroned just like that. Mbume clan cannot be treated derogatorily like that.” Ojonh’s suspension was announced by the immediate past administration of the state on May 28, 2021.

He was suspended over alleged “unwholesome activities” that had threatened the peace and stability of Etung council area. The suspension was subsequently challenged at the court by the traditional ruler in the suit No. HC/96/2022. However, Justice Elias Abia of High Court in Calabar, ordered his reinstatement in a judgment delivered in March.

Related Topics:Cross River Culture Featured traditional ruler

Up Next

Kwara Speaker Pledges Legislative Backing For Culture, Tourism

Don't Miss

Obasanjo and Garvey Unite to Honor History, as Badagry is Chosen as the Home for the World’s Africa Slave Trade Museum

Click to comment

Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”