The crisis had pitted loyalists of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South Local Government Area, HRM Etubom Nyong Efiom Okon, against supporters of the late Etubom Inyang GD Henshaw, both of whom laid claim to the leadership of the Henshaw Town Council, HTC.
In a surprise development, retired Justice Charles Archibong, who led the faction of the late Etubom Henshaw, reconciled with Etubom Okon’s group last week, bringing to an end years of strife that threatened lives and property.
Explaining his decision, Archibong admitted that peace often requires painful compromises.
“Peace is really difficult to make. One has to admit you might lose status, benefits, or advantage. But peace is necessary for us to move forward,” he said.
He recalled that as far back as 2021, the late Etubom Henshaw had recognized Etubom Okon as Acting President of the Council in a written agreement endorsed by both men.
Archibong confessed to derailing that pact at the time but said he has now returned to it “fully for the sake of peace”.
According to him, the HTC Constitution of 1980 provides for succession strictly by ranking.
“My uncle, IGD Henshaw, must be succeeded by the ranking member. That ranking member is the present Paramount Ruler. Whether one likes it or not, that is the constitutional truth,” he emphasized.
Archibong further revealed that pressure from his family and the alignment of the state government with Etubom Okon also influenced the reconciliation.
“The governor, his advisers, and political allies all associate with Etubom Nyong. Meanwhile, I was doing police cell duty and arraigned in court. It made no sense to continue,” he explained.
Over the years, the crisis spilled into the courts, with several Council functionaries prosecuted and jailed.
Archibong himself faced trial, though his case was later dismissed.
“How long do you think this should continue? I can’t spend the rest of my years fighting over the same thing,” he submitted.
— Daily Post
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