The Deputy Governor’s office, which initiated the request on December 2, 2025, has not commented on next steps.
By TheInvestigator
In a significant legal opinion that could resolve decades-old tensions between neighbouring communities, the Cross River State Attorney-General, Barrister Ededem Ani, has concluded that the Adiwam River serves as the official boundary between Ochon in Obubra Local Government Area (LGA) and Alesi in Ikom LGA. The advisory, dated December 22, 2025, was issued in response to a request from the Deputy Governor’s office for interpretation of judgment and legal advice on the matter.
The opinion draws on historical records, including a 1938 inquiry under the Intertribal Boundaries Settlement Ordinance conducted by District Officer Mr R S Mallison, and a 1997 consolidated judgment from the Cross River State High Court in suits HM/4/84 and HM/6/84 (Paul Nje Agbor & Ors v. Etungha Agbor & Ors). These documents were analysed to address disputes over land control east of the Ukpon River, involving communities such as Abaragba, Odongere, Ochong (Ochon), and Issabang.
According to the Attorney-General’s findings, the Mallison inquiry established that the Ukpon River marks the boundary between Abaragba-cum-Odongere and Issabang, with Issabang having no inherent rights to farm or log on the east bank without permission from Odongere’s senior Ovat. The report emphasised that Ochong (now Ochon) held original ownership by virtue of first settlement, and a physical inspection confirmed the Adiwam Stream as the dividing line between Odongere and Abaragba.
“The finding of the Court is therefore that: The boundary between Abaragba-cum-Odongere and Issabang is the Ukpon River,” the Mallison report stated, as quoted in the advisory. It further noted that Issabang farms east of the Ukpon were permissive and under Ofutop Clan Court jurisdiction, with both parties sharing equal river usage rights for fishing.
The 1997 High Court judgment, which resolved title claims over parcels like Ndim in Ose Bakan and CRITTA in Alesi (both in Ikom), reinforced this by relying on a survey plan (Exhibit A, Plan No. JEJ/CRM/LOA) that explicitly identified the Adiwam River as the boundary with the Ochon people. The court granted relief to Abaragba representatives, binding all parties since no appeal overturned it.
Ani dismissed reliance on a Chief Intelligence Report by Captain G H Hudson, arguing it was untenable given the more detailed Mallison and court findings, which render claims of the Obutip Clan being bounded west by the Ukpon River as invalid.
In his opinion, Ani stated: “In sum, it is my considered opinion that the boundary line between Ochon in Obubura Local Government Area and Alesi in Ikom Local Government Area is the ADIWAM RIVER.” He highlighted that the Mallison proceedings, akin to mediation, remain valid as administrative decisions never reviewed or set aside, with participation from all affected communities.
Local leaders in Obubra and Ikom have yet to publicly respond, but the opinion could pave the way for a peaceful resolution.
The Deputy Governor’s office, which initiated the request on December 2, 2025, has not provided an update on next steps. Stakeholders hope this legal clarity will prevent escalation, echoing similar boundary resolutions in neighbouring states.
Read the full opinion below: