Posted by Uduak ASSAM Jnr

The Paramount Ruler of Uyo Local Government Area, HRM Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon has charged the Village Head-elect of Ekpri Nsukara Offot, Otuekong Emem Denis Asikpo on the maintenance of peace, unity and development as he takes over the mantle of leadership of the village.

The Paramount ruler, while congratulating Otuekong Asikpo on his emergence as the Village head-elect, implored him to rule his subjects with the fear of God and to uphold the culture and traditions of his community as well as abide by the laws governing the traditional institution.

Edidem Okon, who is also the clan head of Offot Ukwa Clan gave the charge after receiving the village head-elect in his Palace when the family heads of Ekpri Nsukara Offot accompanied by members of the village council and other stakeholders - men, women and youths, presented him formally to the Offot Ukwa Clan Council of Chiefs on Saturday, May 13, 2023.

The royal father said, "In our customs and traditions, the election of a village head is the sole responsibility of family heads who sit as kingmakers to carry it out. The Paramount ruler or the Clan Council does not elect a village head. Ours is to receive after election at the village level by the family heads as we have seen today. We then follow up with all other due processes until his certification by the Akwa Ibom State Government."

The Paramount Ruler also referenced Asikpo's activeness as youth president of Ekpri Nsukara Offot, and said his new office is a reward for his diligence and service to the people over the years.

He announced that the clan is in solidarity with the decision made by the Ekpri Nsukara community and wished the village head-elect successful reign on the throne.

The Paramount ruler also advised him to unite the community by not discriminating against anyone who may not have supported him, stressing that the Clan is very much aware of Otuekong Asikpo's contributions to the traditional institution in his immediate community and clan, sustenance of peace and promotion of the Ekpri Nsukara, Offot Ukwa Clan and the overall interest of Uyo Local Government Area.

Speaking earlier, after his formal presentation to the Clan Council, the Village Head- elect of Ekpri Nsukara Offot, Otuekong Emem Denis Asikpo reaffirmed his acceptance of the stool and the readiness to serve his people and the community with the fear of God.

Otuekong Asikpo said having served Ekpri Nsukara Offot for many years as President of the Youth Council and worked closely with the immediate past Village head, the Late Eteidung Linus Etim Essien (1946-2022) and the village council as a whole, he was sufficiently exposed to provide the right leadership, good guidance and service that will uplift the village.

The chairman of the village council of Ekpri Nsukara Offot, Comrade Morris S. Bassey, while giving introductory remarks before the presentation of Otuekong Emem Denis Asikpo to the Offot Ukwa Clan Council, stated that all due processes have been met for the election of a new village head and reiterated that village head-elect is someone greatly loved by people.

At the symbolic event, the family heads of Ekpri Nsukara Offot Community reaffirmed their stance by formally presenting the village-elect to the Clan Council amidst cheers.

It was celebrations galore from the paramount ruler's palace at Eniong Offot community down to the residence of the village head-elect in Ekpri Nsukara Offot.

The event was attended by village heads that make up the Offot Ukwa Clan Council, men, members of Ekpri Nsukara community and others dignitaries from far and near.

Otuekong Emem Dennis Asikpo is the immediate past Supervisory Councillor for Culture and Community Relations in Uyo Local Government and President, Ekpri Nsukara Offot Youth Council.

He holds several awards and Chieftaincy titles in Offot Ukwa Clan and across Akwa Ibom State.