The head of the Eyo Ekpo family, Denuo Enuo (Dr.) Okon Eyo Okon-Eyo, has called on the Cross River State Government and security agencies to intervene in a leadership dispute within the family, alleging threats to his life and the safety of his supporters.
Okon-Eyo, who described himself as the eighth family head of the Eyo Ekpo family, alleged that a group led by a former Managing Director of the state Water Board, Chief Victor Effiom, had threatened to disrupt meetings he convened in his capacity as family head.
He made the allegations during an interview with NEGROIDHAVEN, following a video that circulated on social media in which he raised concerns about threats and disturbances linked to the dispute.
According to him, the disagreement arose after Effiom allegedly opposed a family decision to appoint his elder brother, Christ Ambassador Effiong Ekpo, as chairman of the family land committee.
Okon-Eyo said he declined Effiom’s alleged request to reverse the appointment, explaining that the decision was taken by the family and was not within his powers as the family head to overturn unilaterally.
He alleged that the disagreement subsequently escalated into a dispute over his continued recognition as family head, with some members of the opposing group allegedly seeking to install another person in the position.
“Such thing has not happened in Eyo Ekpo family. You don’t dethrone a family head,” he said, arguing that the position could only become vacant after the incumbent’s death and the performance of the relevant traditional rites (Nkang Ekpe).
Okon-Eyo further alleged that members of the group had threatened that he should not parade himself as family head or hold meetings, claiming that an audio recording of one of the alleged threats was available.
He also claimed that there had been an attempt to organise people to disrupt a meeting he was holding, but said the plan did not materialise.
The family head linked the disagreement to an earlier controversy in 2024 over plans to celebrate the family’s patriarch, Eyo Ekpo, during an event known as Eyo Ekpo Day.
He alleged that Effiom had objected to the appointment of Christ Ambassador Effiong Ekpo as chairman of the event’s organising committee and threatened legal action to stop the celebration.
Okon-Eyo said the dispute had raised concerns about the administration and sale of family land, particularly during the dry season when members undertake farming and palm-plot transactions.
He warned that rival groups attempting to conduct land transactions could come into conflict if the leadership disagreement remained unresolved.
“We are peaceful people, so that is why we want proactive action to prevent it,” he said, urging the state government, police and Department of State Services to intervene.
Okon-Eyo disclosed that he had petitioned the DSS and approached a customary court for a perpetual injunction over the dispute.
He called for the intervention of the relevant authorities to prevent a possible breakdown of peace and ensure that the disagreement did not escalate into violence.
NEGROIDHAVEN had previously cited a 6th March 2026 letter attributed to Effiom’s group signed by one Deacon Bassey Okon Ekpenyong containing the substance of their grouse with the incumbent family head.
