Boki Leaders Urged to Caution Against Misrepresentation of Otu Agriya II Title

 

Chief (Amb) Soni Abang

The conferment of the Otu Agriya II title on Chief Ambassador Soni Abang during the Boki New Yam Festival has sparked public debate, prompting calls for restraint and unity from concerned stakeholders.

In a statement issued by Chief Enu Caesar, Advocate for Peace and Development in Boki, the remarks reportedly credited to Hon. Maxwell Etta, Mr. Hilary Nyiam Bisong, and Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, Member representing Boki II State Constituency, were described as “misleading” and “damaging to the unity of Boki Nation.”

According to the statement, the Otu Agriya institution is not the exclusive preserve of any single clan but a Boki-wide cultural honor symbolizing leadership, unity, and continuity. While the late Chief Ambassador M.T. Mbu was recognized as Otu Agriya I, a title initiated by the Osokom clan on behalf of Boki; the honor has since evolved into a collective heritage of the people.

Chief Caesar emphasized that the coronation of Chief Ambassador Soni Abang was not a political move but a traditional decision taken after wide consultations within the Beebo-Bumaji Clan. The move, he said, was a demonstration of wisdom and foresight aimed at fostering cohesion in Boki at a critical time.

“We therefore caution those attempting to politicize or undermine this cultural honor,” the statement read. “Leadership titles are sacred; they must not be reduced to tools of rivalry or partisanship. To do so is to distort history and weaken the very values that bind us as one people.”

The release further called on the Osokom Development Council to investigate the alleged divisive remarks and provide appropriate guidance.

Highlighting the importance of cultural symbols, Caesar stressed that just as yam remains a sacred emblem of sustenance and continuity in Boki, the Agriya title must stand as a beacon of cohesion for all Boki people, both at home and abroad.

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