By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
Former Governor of Cross River State, Dr. Clement Ebri, has disassociated himself and the people of Yakurr-Ibe (Mkpani) from inflammatory remarks reportedly made by some youths against Ugep, urging the people to maintain peace ahead of the Mkpani Leboku celebration.
Ebri, described as a leader of the Yakurr-Ibe community, condemned what he called the “riotous behaviour” of some misguided youths who allegedly used inflammatory language against Ugep on September 8, 2026.
In a statement issued on his behalf by Chief Okoi Obono-Obla , former presidential adviser, Ebri alleged that the youths were sponsored by “selfish political leaders” to exploit the existing frosty relationship between Ugep and Idomi.
He strongly and unreservedly condemned the development and appealed to the people of Yakurr-Ibe to remain calm, go about their lawful businesses and avoid actions or utterances capable of escalating tensions.
“I therefore appeal to our people to go about their lawful businesses and to felicitate with our brothers on the occasion of the Mkpani Leboku celebration,” the statement said.
The appeal came as the Yakurr Peoples Club (YPC), Abuja, also called on cultural groups, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders to exercise restraint in the use of folk songs, dance chants and other cultural expressions during the ongoing Leboku festivities.
YPC said its appeal followed observations from its recently concluded fact-finding mission to the Yakurr Nation, particularly concerning some songs and dance chants which appeared to reference the recent Ugep–Idomi conflict.
The Club acknowledged the importance of preserving Yakurr’s cultural heritage but warned that cultural expressions should not be used in ways capable of reopening old wounds or rekindling grievances at a time when efforts are being made to consolidate peace and reconciliation.
President of YPC Abuja and Team Lead of its Peace Mission, Group Captain Eloma Ekpo Ikona (rtd.), urged performers and cultural custodians to deploy culture as an instrument of healing and unity rather than division.
“Our culture is a powerful instrument. Let us use it to heal, not to hurt; to unite, not to divide; and to build bridges, not walls,” Ikona said.
The Club appealed to the Paramount Ruler and the Yabol Lipon, as custodians of Yakurr tradition and communal authority, to provide appropriate guidance to cultural troupes and performers and discourage expressions capable of inflaming old grievances.
YPC also urged community leaders, youth and women groups, peace advocates and other stakeholders to collectively protect the fragile peace achieved through dialogue, reconciliation and restraint, stressing that Leboku should be an occasion for thanksgiving, cultural pride, healing and renewed fellowship.
The Club said the Yakurr Nation remained one people bound by a common heritage and shared destiny, and called on everyone attending Leboku 2026 to ensure that the celebrations strengthen unity rather than deepen existing divisions.
