The Ibeno Clan Council in Akwa Ibom State has condemned a recent press release issued by Afigh Iwaad Ekid titled “Ijaw Youth Council’s Rhetoric: A Caution Against Provocative and Breach of Boundaries.”
The Council described claims regarding the location of the QIT Terminal and other territorial assertions within Ibeno Local Government Area as misleading, provocative, and capable of igniting tension in the state.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, March 31, in Upenekang by the Secretary of the Ibeno Council, Chief Udofia Okon Udofia.
The statement read in part: “We wish to state unequivocally that Akwa Ibom State has only one official and legally recognized map, which clearly defines all Local Government Areas, including Ibeno LGA, and enumerates all 25 officially recognized villages within Ibeno.”
It further stressed that no part of Ibeno has ever been ceded to another local government area at any time in history, noting that “all boundaries within Akwa Ibom State are constitutionally and legally binding, and any attempt to distort or misrepresent these facts is misleading, unproductive, and unacceptable.”
“We caution the leadership of Afigh Iwaad Ekid and those seeking to propagate confusion or advance narratives that question the territorial integrity of Akwa Ibom State to desist forthwith,” Udofia stated.
The Council also warned against what it described as unlawful directives to companies operating within Ibeno territory, insisting that such actions are an affront to Ibeno leadership and its people and would be resisted.
“Attempts to claim lands or issue directives to companies operating within Ibeno land and the state in general, under any guise, are entirely baseless and will be resisted in accordance with the law,” the statement added.
While calling for restraint, the Council urged stakeholders, including the International President of Afigh Iwaad Ekid, Obongiwaad (Capt.) Willie Mbong, and its Secretary, Iwaad (Obong) Umana Umana, to pursue grievances through lawful and peaceful channels.
The statement also referenced recent tensions in the area, alleging attempts by “unscrupulous elements,” in collaboration with an oil company, to erect “illegal signposts” within Ibeno territory. It described such actions as a “drama” that would be decisively addressed.
However, the Council’s position comes amid lingering controversy surrounding the Akwa Ibom State Map Establishment Law 2023, signed by former governor Udom Emmanuel.
The law, which is alleged to have redefined territorial boundaries within the state, has faced strong opposition from several coastal communities, including Ibeno, Mbo, Eastern Obolo, and Ikot Abasi.
The Ibeno Clan Council maintained that land ownership in the area dates back to pre-colonial times, underscoring what it described as well-established historical roots.
