By Isaiah Eka
Uyo – The Uyo Traditional Rulers Council on Wednesday described late Eteidung Matthew John Obot 97, as a symbol of peace throughout his 30 years reign as Uyo Village Head.
Obong Christopher George, a member Offot Ukwa Traditional Rulers Council, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo on Wednesday.
George, a legal practitioner and member Uyo traditional rulers’ council, said the deceased was a man that fought for the welfare of residents and people of Uyo.
He said that the late monarch would be greatly missed by his subjects because his judgment was regarded as that of King Solomon where no one was willing to appeal.
“I happen to have seen Late Eteidung Matthew John Obot during his reign as Uyo Village Head.
“Even though his domain is where the seat of Akwa Ibom Government situates, the late monarch never incited his people against government.
“The late Chief Obot was the most peaceful traditional ruler that ever reigned in modern Uyo village, always accessible to both the rich and the poor.
“We will miss a God-fearing monarch, a just man, the great pillar that advises Offot Ukwa Clan Head,” George said.
According to him, the monarch had a long, peaceful reign of more than 30 years spanning from the period of the Old Cross River and the creation of Akwa Ibom until he answered the ultimate call.
NAN reports that a statement by the Chief Mourner, Mr Michael Obot, explained that his father, who died on January 12, 2017, would be laid to rest on April 28 in Uyo.
Obot said that the deceased nonagenarian assumed the leadership of Uyo village, the seat of Akwa Ibom Government, in 1985 after the demise of Chief Etim Udo Ibanga.
According to him, the late traditional ruler served Ibanga as Personal Assistant for some years even while he was a teacher.
“This was exemplified by his stemming the tide of rebellious forces that threatened to split Uyo Village for selfish reasons.
“He was cherished and loved by his subjects; a man who could not be bought over nor distracted by the mundane things of this world.
“He was a strong pivot around which developmental, progressive and altruistic elements in Uyo village revolved,” Obot said..
