Edidem Ikotidem family: Ekpene Ekpe residents in Ntak Inyang must vacate their unlawfully acquired plots

• Elder Archibong Ikot & other members of the Edidem Ikotidem family, on Tuesday

Members of the Late Okuku Edidem Ikotidem family of Atai Ibiaku-Itam in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have called upon the residents of Ekpene Ekpe in Ntak Inyang Itam to peacefully vacate the land and allow the rightful owners to claim their property.

With a firm commitment to upholding the court’s decision on November 22, 2018, which declared the land as the bonafide property of the Ikotidem family, the elders have also extended an olive branch to those who have unlawfully settled or erected structures on the land.

During a conversation with reporters in Atai Ibiaku-Itam village on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, Chairman of Edidem Ikotidem family, Elder Archibong Ikot, conveyed the family’s position alongside his brothers: Elder Sunday Edidem Ikotidem, Mr Bassey Edidem, Apst Ibanga Edidem, Pst Iniobong Edidem, Otuekong Udeme Edidem, and Ezekiel Edidem.

According to Elder Ikot, the Ikotidem family’s united front seeks to assert their traditional rights and ensure the acquisition and ownership of their late father’s property in Ekpene Ekpe at Ntak Inyang-Itam.

Recent reports have highlighted individuals such as Donald Esin, NseyenAbasi Esitmbom, Isiah Akpan, Marth Edet, and Columbus Adasi, among others, who claim that their houses were demolished without notice or a valid court order by the Edidem Ikotidem family of Atai Ibiaku-Itam.

However, Elder Ikot vehemently refutes these allegations, stating that the court had long ago ruled in favor of his family regarding the land in question.

“I am the third son of late Okuku Edidem Ikotidem, born in 1951,” Elder Ikot explained. “My father owned the land called Ekpene Ekpe in Ntak Inyang-Itam, where he planted countless palm fruit trees. This land shares a common boundary with the Itam Development Union, which can be easily verified.”

He continued: “Following our father’s passing in 1996, we, the Ikotidem family lived harmoniously amongst ourselves. However, certain individuals within the village seized the opportunity to exploit our vulnerability and clandestinely sold our father’s property without our knowledge.

“In response, our late mother, Ima Edidem Ikotidem, took the matter to the Customary Court. When a resolution could not be reached, we appealed to the Chief Magistrate Court, which placed an injunction on the land, prohibiting any use or occupation during the litigation period”.

Ikot noted that despite numerous attempts by his family to reason with those who had encroached upon the land, warning them of potential financial loss when the case would be eventually decided, their pleas fell on deaf ears.

“On November 22, 2018, the Chief Magistrate Court in Itu ruled in favor of the Ikotidem family, acknowledging our rightful ownership of the land. In light of this judgment, we invited those who had already settled on the land to engage in negotiations with us regarding its status.

“Those with goodwill in their hearts heeded our call, but others remained obstinate,” Elder Ikot explained, highlighting their family’s adherence to due process throughout the entire legal process.

To further emphasize this, he revealed that their lawyers from Prospect Chambers & Co located at 93 Udo Umana Street, Uyo, had served a quit notice on October 2, 2019, which had been willfully disregarded.

“Let me clarify that the demolition that occurred on February 16, 2024, at Ekpene Ekpe, Ntak Inyang, was not orchestrated by the Edidem Ikotidem family of Atai Ibiaku-Itam or our junior brother, Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem, the Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, as erroneously reported by a section of the media. It was executed by security agents in accordance with a valid order from the Chief Magistrate Court of Akwa Ibom State”.

To substantiate their claims, this reporter obtained a multitude of documents that unequivocally prove the Edidem Ikotidem family’s ownership of the Ekpene Ekpe land.

These documents include a notice of quit and notice of enforcement of the court order, pursuant to the judgment on November 22, 2018, signed by Dominic Nkim Esq. of Prospect Chambers & Co over four years ago.

The notice, dated October 2, 2019, was addressed to all illegal occupants, squatters, and farmers trespassing under the guise of one Michael Sunday Etim and other unknown land speculators.

It reads: “Further take notice that by virtue of the Court judgement of 22nd November 2018 which said judgement/order of court was duly enforced accordingly, the said land “Ekpene Ekpe” remains the bonafide property of the family of Edidem Ikotidem and as such, anybody purportedly claiming the said land otherwise than through the Edidem Ikotidem family does so at his or her own risk”.

This reporter further obtained the official report of the Itam Clan Council’s Arbitration Panel regarding the Ekpene Ekpe land case.

The report was signed by the Chairman and Clan Head of Itam, Etebom Donald Uboh, along with other notable signatories including the Vice Chairman and Village Head of Ikot Ekwere-Itam, Obong Sunday Matthew Ekong; Secretary, Obong Effiong Robert Udoh, and members: Okuku Asoquo Bassey Eyo, Obong Valentine Odung, the Village Head of Ntak Inyang-Itam, and Obong Jacob Eyo Ukut.

The report, dated 14th February 2023, concludes: “The Panel after careful reading and study of a copy of the proceedings, it was observed that Ima Edidem Ikotidem, the plaintiff in the case, was the wife of Late Okuku Edidem Ikotidem. The case was settled in her favour.

“Therefore, Itam Clan Arbitration Panel cannot enter into the case since the said land had been pronounced upon by Court of competent jurisdiction to Ima Edidem Ikotidem, wife of Late Okuku Edidem Ikotidem, as stated by Eddie Ntukidem and Associates, Legal practitioners and consultants”.

Meanwhile, Chief Eduok O. Eduok, a respected elder from Ikot Obio Atai-Itam, a neighboring village, has stated that the Late Okuku Edidem Ikotidem family’s plea for a peaceful resolution and adherence to the court’s ruling is a testament to their commitment to justice and fairness.

Eduok, in a resolute statement, declared the ownership of the Ekpene Ekpe land during a chat with correspondents on Tuesday.

Defending the late Okuku Edidem Ikotidem’s rights, he challenged anyone who disputes this to bring him to court, as he stands ready to testify to the truth engraved in his memory.

Eduok, who also farmed in the land, called for justice to prevail, urging the identification and prosecution of those responsible for illegally selling parcels of the land and ruthlessly destroying the palm fruits planted by the Late Edidem Ikotidem.

“As they seek to reclaim their rightful property, the Edidem Ikotidem family, as we know, have extend an open hand to those who have encroached upon their land, urging them to engage in peaceful negotiations.

“To acquire the land, therefore, one must wisely consult the Late Edidem’s family and children. This will ensure a respectful and proper approach to the matter”, Eduok added.

Two individuals, Mr. Nsemeke and Mr. Idorenyin Edet Inyang, were identified as the negotiators who met with the Edidem Ikotidem family following the demolition.

Similarly, Mr. Savior Abia confirmed to this reporter, on Tuesday, that he peacefully resolved the land dispute with the Edidem family, ensuring his house remained unaffected.

• Other members of the Edidem Ikotidem family