Former Minister of Lands and Urban Development, Chief Nduese Essien, has strongly opposed the proposed creation of Obollo State, warning that no part of Ibibio territory will be surrendered. He made the statement during the installation of His Eminence Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk as the 4th Grand Patron of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The push for Obollo State, led by communities in Oro, Ibeno, and Eastern Obolo, has been met with resistance, with Essien accusing supporters of attempting to claim Ibibio land—particularly the resource-rich Stubbs Creek Forest. He dismissed the move as a "land-grabbing scheme" and recalled past legal battles where the Ibibio defended their territory up to the Privy Council in London.
“Let me be clear: any effort to take over Ibibio land must be resisted at all costs. This misguided venture has been exposed and must stop. No portion of our land will be taken,” Essien declared before Ibibio leaders and stakeholders.
He cited previous unsuccessful attempts to create Obollo State, including a violent 1993 campaign halted by a judicial inquiry and a 2014 proposal to merge parts of Akwa Ibom with Rivers State. Essien insisted the latest push lacks legitimacy and will face strong opposition.
The former lawmaker also urged Ibibio sociocultural groups to move beyond ceremonial functions and actively defend their heritage. He called on Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio and similar organizations to advocate for justice, shape
0 Comments