By Our Reporter
A fresh wave of tension has engulfed Esit Eket and Eket Local Government Areas following allegations that Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, fraudulently sold Ekid ancestral land to a private oil and gas firm, Truncan Energy, for ₦22 billion and has since resorted to traditional rituals in a bid to silence his critics.
The controversy, which has sparked outrage across Ekid communities, began after Princess Godsown Udoito, a prominent Ekid princess and chief priestess, publicly invoked traditional deities to seek justice over what she described as a “sacrilegious sale” of her people’s ancestral land.
According to activist Manfred Ekpe, the acquisition process was “fraudulent and criminal,” violating both the rights and customs of the Ekid people. “Governor Umo Eno has proven to be a man deficient of integrity,” Ekpe said, calling for both civil and criminal investigations into the deal.
Following Princess Udoito’s viral traditional invocation, emissaries reportedly sent by Governor Eno visited Esit Eket leaders on September 7, 2025, demanding that she retract her prayers. The delegation, led by Hon. Alfred Charles, Chairman of Nsit Ubium LGA, and Chief Godwin Ntukude, allegedly faced stiff resistance and were nearly attacked by angry youths at the Esit Eket Palace.
Reliable local sources confirmed that a second team comprising three paramount rulers representing the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council arrived on Friday, September 18, carrying what witnesses described as a powerful Ibibio charm known as Mbiam.
The traditional rulers reportedly delivered three eyei (spiritual injunctions symbolized by palm leaves) to the Esit Eket Council Chairman, the Clan Head of Eket Offiong, and Princess Udoito, demanding her appearance before the Traditional Council on September 25 for alleged “taboo practices.”
In a fiery response, Princess Udoito dismissed the injunction as “a charade,” warning that she would have burned the juju “if not for respect for the royal fathers.” She has since resumed her shrine rituals, declaring that she will not honor any summons unless Governor Eno is equally summoned to explain his alleged fraudulent sale of Ekid land.
The Paramount Ruler of Esit Eket, Edidem Ubong Peter Assam, also backed her stance, stating that Princess Udoito was under no obligation to appear before the council.
Prominent Ekid leaders, including High Chief Obong Nkamiang, condemned the actions of the traditional council, accusing them of bias and political subservience. “Our paramount rulers have brought contempt upon their exalted thrones by acting as errand boys to politicians,” he said.
Activist Manfred Ekpe added that the Traditional Rulers Council’s actions violated Princess Udoito’s constitutional rights to freedom of religion and expression. He questioned why the council did not issue any injunctions when Annang women poured libations at the State House of Assembly in 2023 — a greater cultural taboo, according to local customs.
Chief Nkamiang further urged the Traditional Council to redirect their spiritual focus toward Governor Eno, accusing him of “selling off Akwa Ibom land to foreigners and cronies.”
The unfolding drama has left the state on edge, with many residents questioning how a self-proclaimed pastor could be linked to traditional rituals and alleged occult practices.
Amid the growing public skepticism, rumors surrounding Governor Eno’s alleged diabolical affiliations — including claims of Freemasonry involvement — have resurfaced, further fueling political and spiritual tension across the state.
As of press time, the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Traditional Rulers Council had yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
