By Asuquo Cletus
The Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has reversed the planned removal of the Chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council, Osim Edward, extending his tenure by another two years.
The reversal came barely five days after the state government announced the appointment of the Paramount Ruler of Obudu Traditional Rulers Council, Abanbeshie Ukudare, as the new chairman of the council.
In a letter dated June 18, 2026, signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, Francis Edet, the government directed Edward to discontinue his tour of local government areas and prepare handover notes ahead of the swearing-in of his successor.
The letter stated that Governor Otu had approved the appointment of Ukudare as the new chairman of the council and instructed the outgoing chairman to cooperate with the transition process.
However, in a fresh correspondence dated June 23, 2026, cited by our Correspondent, the same office announced a reversal of the decision, extending Edward’s tenure as chairman for another two years.
The letter explained that the governor arrived at the decision after what it described as a thorough assessment of the monarch’s performance.
“The Department of Chieftaincy Affairs is pleased to inform you that His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, after a thorough assessment of your performance, has graciously extended your tenure as the Chairman of the State’s Traditional Rulers’ Council for another two years,” the letter read.
It further stated that the tenure extension officially cancelled the earlier announced change of leadership in the council.
The government commended Edward for his service and urged him to continue his contributions to the development of the traditional institution and the state.
The development effectively retains Edward as chairman of the state’s apex traditional institution and halts the planned transition to the Obudu monarch.
