By Abasi Ita
Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has approved a two year extension of the tenure of His Royal Majesty, Ovai Solomon Osim Edward, as Chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council.
The approval was conveyed in an official letter dated June 23, 2026, and issued by the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs in the Governor’s Office, Calabar.
The letter, signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, Sir Frank Edet, stated that the extension followed a review of the royal father’s performance and contributions to the traditional institution in the state.
According to the correspondence, “His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, has graciously approved the extension of your tenure as Chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council for another two years.”
The government said the decision was informed by the monarch’s record of service and leadership.
”This extension is in recognition of your positive track record and contributions to the growth and stability of the Traditional Rulers Council,” the letter stated.
The approval also nullifies any previous arrangement regarding a change in the leadership of the council.
”The earlier announced change of guard in the leadership of the Council is hereby cancelled,” the correspondence said.
The state government noted that the extension would ensure continuity in the administration of the state’s traditional institution and strengthen the role of traditional rulers in promoting peace, unity and development across Cross River State.
Governor Otu also congratulated the royal father on the renewal of his tenure and expressed confidence in his continued leadership.
”Congratulations on this well deserved extension. We pray for God’s guidance, wisdom and strength as you continue to serve humanity and the people of Cross River State,” the letter added.
Copies of the directive were forwarded to key government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, for information and necessary action.
The decision secures the continued leadership of His Royal Majesty Oval Solomon Osim Edward at the helm of the state’s apex traditional institution for the next two years.