Dr. Asuquo Inuikim, the President General of the Oron Union, has called for the immediate amendment of the Traditional Rulers Law CAP 155 of Akwa Ibom State for peace to reign in the state.
Inuikim disclosed that the law, as passed by the State House of Assembly and assented to by the governor, Pst. Umo Éno, is discriminatory and satanic.
The amended law, which constantly allocates the position of President-General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers to the office of Oku Ibom Ibibio, has created a chaotic and divisive environment within Akwa Ibom.
Various women and youth groups from minority tribes across the state have opposed the law on the grounds that it does not encapsulate their aspirations and wishes.
In a statement on Wednesday, Inuikim criticized the lawmakers for disregarding the wishes of their constituents and enacting a law that further marginalizes and creates division among the citizens of the state.
He complained that the law as it is suggests that some ethnic groups are not on the same standard as others, adding that such is equivalent to modern-day slavery.
He further criticized the attempt to sabotage the rotational chairmanship of the State Council of Chiefs, emphasizing that it opposed the wisdom and practices of the founding royal fathers of Akwa Ibom State, who created the rotational headship of the council.
He noted that the amendment of the law in 2022, which changed the title from chairman to president-general was considered a position for the Oro people to retain the position.
He said, “however, political maneuvers prevented this, allowing the Oku Ibom Ibibio to remain in power. With his two-year term winding down, he now seeks to secure his lifelong presidency and restrict the position to the Ibibio race.”
