By Uche Ikechukwu, Calabar

The Mbube Traditional Rulers Council (MTRC), has confered on Crown Prince Joe Arase Abue (KSJI), with the title, “Adeh Buturo 1 of Mbube Nation”.

The event which held on the 30th of May 2025, at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Ogoja Local Government Area, Ojerim, Mbube, Ogoja, had in attendance, members of the Mbube Traditional Rulers Council MTRC, elders drawn and youths and first of kind in Mbube.

Conferring the title on Crown Prince Joe Arase Abue, the Paramount Ruler, HRM, Oti Odey Abua, recounted that recipient of the title has contributed emersely to the development of Mbube nation while he was in the civil service.

He stated that Crown Prince Joe Aras Abue, facilitated the creation of the eight clans in Mbube and that he facilitated recruitment of very many Mbube sons and daughters into the Cross River State civil service, while in active service.

He posited that the conferment of the title was a recognition and appreciation for the sacrifices and services that Crown Prince Joe Arase Abue, had rendered to the Mbube nation.

Responding, the Adeh Buturo 1 of Mbube Nation, and Village of Jericho Village, Buturo Joe Aras Abue, thanked the leadership of Mbube Traditional Rulers Council MTRC, for the recognition and honor done him.

He noted that “While in service and government, I felt a sense of commitment to my people specifically Mbube. And did made sure that I gave in my best to ensure that the clans were created in line with the Cross River State rules, and today we are all beneficiaries of those of clans. I did my best within the confines of my position to facilitate the employment of our sons into the state civil service, and I am glad that so many of them are doing very well in their various positions.

“I did not do all of these things with the intention to be honored. I did it because I felt that I owe my people that responsibility. But today, I have been singled out and named the ‘Adeh Buturo 1 of Mbube Nation’ what a surprised pleasure.

“I am thankful, for finding me worthy of this title, even at this my age, I am thankful. This is a responsibility and a call to do more for the Mbube nation and I will try my best to ensure the unity and progress of Mbube Nation”

The conferment of the title on Chief Joe Arase Abue, was a follow up to his coronation as the village head of Jericho village in Idum-Mbube, on the 25ht May 2025.

He is a politician, farmer and retired civil servant, Sir Joe Aras Abue, KSJI, was coronated and named the ‘Buturu Ade of Idum Mbube kingdom’ in Idum Mbube, Ogoja, Cross River State.

He holds a B. Sc. in Political Science from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, and was recently honored by the University of Calabar during its 50th Anniversary celebration as a Distinguished Friend of the University .

He is the first son of late Buturo Peter Abue OON, the Former Paramount Ruler of old Ogoja, Sir Joe Aras Abue, is an alumnus of the renowned Mary Knoll College Okuku.

The Adeh Buturo 1 of Mbube, Buturo Joe Aras Abue had a distinguished career. He rose to the rank of Permanent Secretary, and had served with previous military administrators in various capacities including:
Principal Staff Secretary to HE Col Kizito Attah (today’s equivalent of Chief of Staff). Chief of Staff to HE Fidelis Nnang, former Deputy Governor. Private Secretary to HE Ibim Princewill, former Military Governor of Cross River State.

He served as Commissioner for Works & Housing in the administration of HE Group Capt Ibrahim Kefas, former Military Administrator of Cross River State. Due to his deligence and commitment to assigned responsibilities, he was reappointed into the same position by HE Group Capt Gregory Agboneni.