Ikom, a vibrant Local Government Area in Cross River State, South-South Nigeria, is steeped in cultural heritage and agricultural prosperity. With its headquarters in Ikom town, the region, spanning an area of 1,961 km², had a population of approximately 162,383 according to the 2006 census. This community thrives as a major agricultural hub, known for its production of cocoa, bananas, and plantains. The area is also celebrated for the Bakor (Afi) monoliths, ancient artefacts believed to represent early forms of nsibidi writing.
The administrative structure of Ikom is organized into 11 council wards, including Abanyum, Yala-Nkum, and Ikom Urban. These wards trace their historical roots back to the 16th century when the area was governed by chief priests and village heads. Modern administrative structures emerged in the early 1950s, leading to the official creation of Ikom Local Government in 1976. The region is bounded by Ogoja, Boki, Etung, and Obubra, and is home to diverse linguistic groups such as Ofutop Bakor, Yala, Mbembe, and Ejagham, with the people believed to have Bantu origins.
Eld. Dr. Henry Tiku Takon, a renowned, Planner, Educationist, and Community leader has provided an insightful account of the political roadmap of the Ikom Local Government Area since its establishment. His work delves into the evolution of the local government, highlighting key phases in its development.
### Background Perspectives
“A distinct stance has been taken on the historical trajectory and the seat of power in Ikom Local Government Council,” Eld. Takon notes. He discusses the administrative structures before 1976, where County Councils and Urban Councils existed until the Obasanjo military Administration’s 1976 Local Government reforms unified them into a third-tier government in Nigeria.
### The Greater Ikom Local Government Administration
Before the 1976 reforms, the greater Ikom Local Government area consisted of Ikom, Boki, and Etung. The South Eastern Development Edict No. 18 of 1971 had earlier created 14 geo-political areas, which eventually became political wards. These wards, including Ikom Urban, Abo- Boje, Northern Etung, Irruan, and others, were represented by elected councillors. Mr. Francis Awuna from Ofutop emerged as the first elected Chairman, wielding executive authority.
### Period of Interregnum
The military era introduced a period of interregnum, where bureaucrats, referred to as Administrators, were appointed to oversee local government administration. This period also saw the creation of the Boki Local Government Council. The return to civilian rule brought back elected chairmanship, with Dr. Robert Eriom becoming the next Chairman.
### Ikom Local Government in the 1990s
In the 1990s, before the creation of Etung Local Government, Elder Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk took his slot as elected Chairman of Ikom Local Government Area. Ikom consisted of twelve clans, each becoming a political ward except for Nselle. The creation of Etung Local Government saw Ikom and other local councils governed by appointed Chairmen and Councilors. Notable leaders during this period include the Late Barr Ajan Odey, the Late Chief Livinus Odigha, and Dr Alice Ekwu, who served as Executive Caretaker Chairmen.
### Geo-Political Evolution and Chairmanship
Over the past 48 years, Ikom Local Government has seen several significant changes. Eld Tiku Takon opined.
1. Creation of Additional Wards:
– Ofutop: 2 wards
– Abanyum-Nnam: 2 wards
– Nde-Nkum: 2 wards
– Ikom Urban: 2 wards
– Akparabong: 1 ward
– Olulumo: 1 ward
– Nta-Nselle: 1 ward
2. Political Spoils and Leadership:
– Olulumo ward has had no elected Chairman in 48 years but had a fortuitous slot of an appointed Caretaker Chairman.
– Akparabong ward has neither had an elected nor appointed Chairman in the same period.
*After 53 years of Creation, Olulumo, Akparabong and Nta-Nselle boundaries remained the same. * Incidentally too, only Akparabong ward has no historical symbol or image of past elected/ appointed Chairmen displayed in the Local Government Council.
3 . Notable Chairmen :
– Late Mr. Francis Awuna (Ofutop) – Elected Chairman
– Late Mr. Fidelis Nnadi (Abanyum) – Elected Chairman
– Late Dr. Awa (Ofutop) – Elected Chairman
– Justice Anjor (Nta-Nselle) – Elected Chairman
– Late Barr Egodo (Yala-Nkum) – Elected Chairman
– Barr Ebaye Akonjom (Nde) – Elected Chairman
– Hon Chris Njar (Ikom Urban) – Elected Chairman
– Dr. Ngban (Nnam) – Elected Chairman
– Hon Ayiba Ojong (Adijinkpor) – Elected Chairman
– Hon Kinsley Egumi (Abanyum) – Elected Chairman
– Late Barr Ajan Odey (Olulumo) – Appointed Chairman
– Late Chief Livinus Odigha (Ofutop 2) – Appointed Chairman
– Dr. Alice Ekwu (Ofutop 1) – Appointed Chairman
### Synopsis and Summation
As Ikom prepares for future leadership transitions, political elites must approach the forthcoming Chairmanship election with a spirit of unity and collaboration. The region has always maintained a sense of brotherhood, and this must continue. Again, leadership may bring in wisdom and reason, with judgement while focusing on party loyalty and or political patronage but devoid of dissension to the party hierarchy. It is important to ensure that candidates are presented without hostility, thereby contributing to the peaceful coexistence and democratic dividends envisioned by His Excellency, Governor Prince Otu’s administration.
Eld. Dr. Henry Tiku Takon’s reflections offer a historical lens through which the political evolution of Ikom Local Government can be understood, with the hope that future leaders will build on this legacy with integrity and foresight.
Eld. Dr Henry Tiku Takon writes from 9 Itu Street, Calabar, Cross River State. Email: rytikuta@gmail.com
