By Frank Ulom
YALA (CONVERSEER) – The people of Yala Local Government Area in Cross River State have elected a new Paramount Ruler, His Royal Majesty Ogamode Eje Ipoule, marking the end of a year-long traditional leadership vacuum in the area.
The election, held on Monday, was conducted peacefully with the participation of eligible clan heads and was described by many as one of the most peaceful in recent times.
Converseer reports that the emergence of the new paramount ruler follows the demise of the former monarch, His Royal Majesty Ogamode Clement Onah Ipoule, who passed away last year after a brief illness.
The election was supervised by His Royal Majesty Solomon Osim Edward, the Paramount Ruler of Abi and Chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council.
Accordingly, out of the 19 clan heads in Yala, 11 were eligible and present, all of whom unanimously voted for Ogamode Eje Ipoule. Four were absent due to health-related issues, while another four were disqualified over lack of certification.
Sir Frank Edet, Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, also monitored the process alongside his team. Edet commended the conduct of the Yala people, describing the election as “one of the most peaceful in the history of the state’s traditional rulers council activities.”
Francis Finian Offionor, Alternate Chairman, New Media, NORTHCCO, commended Governor Bassey Otu for providing a peaceful atmosphere that enabled the smooth conduct of the electoral process.
In a statement on Tuesday, Offionor described Otu as “a man filled with compassion, sympathy and a peace-loving soul,” for his role in ensuring stability and fairness during the selection process.
There were jubilations across the local government following the announcement of Ogamode Eje Ipoule as the new Paramount Ruler.
“Congratulations once again, Your Royal Majesty, Ogamode Eje Ipoule,” Offionor stated. “The good people of Yala have entrusted their traditional obligations to you. I pray for good health, wisdom, foresight, and grace to lead Yala to an enviable height.”
The new monarch is expected to unite and lead the Yala people in preserving their cultural heritage while fostering development across the LGA.
