*Recognizes HRH Daniel Ngeribrama (Ikata II) as the legitimate, duly acknowledged Amayanabo of Ngeribrama
By Ola Kay
The authorities of Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State has confirmed autonomous status on Ngeribrama as a community in Kalabari land.
This was confirmed in an official letter made available to journalists and signed by Chairman of the council, Hon. Dr. Williams Michael John Williams
The chairman posited that the letter was to give clarity in administrative matters and to uphold the dignity of traditional institutions within Degema Local Government Area.
DR. Williams said, “the Council wishes to formally communicate its position regarding the status of Ngeribrama and its satellite communities.”
He disclosed that following review of historical and administrative records, and confirmation of existing traditional structures, the Degema Local Government Council affirmed that: Ngeribrama and its satellite communities were officially recognized as a fully autonomous community within Degema Local Government Area.
The local government chairman also pointed out that the community enjoys a distinct and independent traditional institution, acknowledged under local customs and traditions.
Against this backdrop, he emphasized the Council’s recognition of His Royal Highness, HRH Daniel Ngeribrama (Ikata II) as the legitimate and duly acknowledged Amayanabo of Ngeribrama and its satellite communities.
The chairman further maintained, that the recognition reflects the Council’s commitment to strengthening traditional authorities, enhancing community identity, and promoting peaceful coexistence across all communities in the Local Government Area.
Affirming the legitimacy and status of the Amanyanabo, Dr. Williams reiterated the Council’s readiness to collaborate with the traditional ruler to advance development, peace, and unity across Ngeribrama and Degema LGA at large.
Meanwhile, in an earlier statement, the Amayanabo, chiefs and community leaders of Ngeribrama in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State unanimously condemned recent attempts to diminish the status and autonomy of the ancient Kalabari community.
In a statement signed by Secretary of Ngereribrama and Satellite Communities Prof. Olomabo Gillis Harry, it said the clarification has become pertinent as there had been recent attempts to diminish their status and role in Kalabari land.
The statement made available to the media on Monday read in part,” The leadership of Ngeribrama and its satellite communities wishes to issue this public clarification for the benefit of the general public, stakeholders, and the wider Kalabari Kingdom.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Ngeribrama and its satellite communities do not fall under the authority of any town or village within the Kalabari Kingdom.”
It explained further that Ngeribrama constitutes a fully autonomous community, with a long-established and widely acknowledged traditional institution headed by His Royal Highness, HRH Daniel Ngeribrama Ikata II, the amayanabo of Ngeribrama and Its satellite communities.
The statement also pointed out that the autonomous status of Ngeribrama was recognised across Kalabari kingdom and affirmed historically culturally and traditionally.
It urged the public to disregard any claims, statements, or insinuations suggesting that Ngeribrama is under the jurisdiction of any other community, while insisting that, ” Ngeribrama—located within Degema Local Government Area (DELGA)—maintains its own traditional governance structure.
Enumerating the traditional structure and levels of leadership in the community, it stated that the amayanabo of Ngeribrama have other supporting structure with a duly constituted council of chiefs .
One of the chiefs is a senior member of the Royal Family, Chief Hon. Dr. Dax Kelly George who is Da-Daigbani II .
The community it further stated has Elders’ Council, Women and Youth Leadership
“For historical clarity, our revered progenitor, Ngeribra, had only one child—his daughter, Princess Iwori—whose lineage forms the foundation of the Ngeribrama community,” said the statement.
However, it stressed that Ngeribrama and its satellite communities remain committed to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and continued collaboration with sister communities within the Kalabari Kingdom, Rivers State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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