A civil society organisation, Open Forum, has called on the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno to urgently issue an Executive Order barring traditional rulers in the state from participating in partisan politics.
Open Forum warns that the growing politicisation of the traditional institution is eroding its integrity and threatening peace in communities.
In a strongly worded press release issued on Monday, 18th May, the group expressed concern over what it described as the increasing involvement of royal fathers in political campaigns, endorsements of aspirants and candidates, and open partisan activities, contrary to the spirit and provisions of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Edict.
The statement, signed by its Founder/President, Citizen Matthew Koffi Okono (MKO), said the traditional institution, once revered as a symbol of unity, justice and cultural preservation, was gradually losing public confidence due to political interference and alleged abuse of office by some monarchs.
According to the group, “It is now commonplace to see royal fathers from Family Heads, Village Heads, Clan Heads and Paramount Rulers attend partisan political party campaigns and endorsing aspirants and candidates,” adding that some of such activities were openly conducted in palaces and widely circulated on media platforms.
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Open Forum argued that the actions of traditional rulers engaging in partisan politics violate Section 31(3) of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Edict No. 15 of 1990, which provides that participation in partisan political activities constitutes abuse of office and attracts mandatory withdrawal of official recognition.
The group warned that the continued politicisation of royal fathers was weakening their ability to mediate fairly in communal disputes and undermining their traditional role as custodians of peace, culture and unity.
Beyond the issue of partisan politics, the organisation also raised concerns over the absence of village heads in many communities and allegations that certain individuals had assumed traditional leadership positions without due election by family heads.
It further lamented the absence of structured advisory systems for traditional rulers, saying many monarchs were left to handle sensitive communal matters without adequate intellectual and administrative support, often resulting in controversial decisions and avoidable crises.
The group therefore called for the mandatory establishment of Palace Advisory Councils for Clan Heads and Paramount Rulers across the state to provide strategic guidance, conflict resolution support and administrative counsel aimed at strengthening the traditional institution.
Open Forum also advocated the establishment of uniform guidelines regulating the election and selection of family heads, village council chairmen and youth presidents in communities across the state to curb leadership disputes and insecurity.
The organisation cited the alleged removal of a duly elected village council chairman in Ikot Akpaden Village in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area as an example of arbitrary actions capable of generating communal tension and instability.
As part of its recommendations, the group urged the state government to protect duly elected community leaders from arbitrary removal, promote peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms within communities and adopt indigenous traditional titles for monarchs to preserve the cultural identity and heritage of the state.
According to the group, the current designation of monarchs as “Paramount Ruler” and “Clan Head” does not adequately reflect the rich cultural history and traditional heritage of Akwa Ibom royalties.
Open Forum maintained that the proposed Executive Order had become necessary in view of rising political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that urgent reforms were needed to reposition the traditional institution and restore public confidence in royal fathers across the state.
The organisation said the proposed reforms would also support the ARISE Agenda of the state government and strengthen grassroots peacebuilding and governance in Akwa Ibom State.
