The family of the Senate President of the Federal Republic; Greater Akpabio Family of Ukana Ikot Ntuen, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, says it has formally excommunicated Mrs. Patience Ibanga Akpabio, wife of Barr. Ibanga Akpabio, from the royal family.
The extreme traditional action came on the heels of what it described as persistent “disparaging comments and unwholesome remarks” against the Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio.
Our correspondent reports that, in a series of viral social media videos that circulated in recent weeks, Mrs. Patience Ibanga Akpabio was seen making scathing remarks against the Senate President, and his wife, Dr Ekaette Unoma Akpabio.
In the videos, she accused the Senate President of neglecting his extended family and alleged unfair treatment by his wife.
Her utterances, which many described as insulting and defamatory, were widely condemned across social media platforms and within the Akpabio clan for portraying the family and its patriarch in a negative light.
The attacks, which persisted despite warnings from the family and her husband, Barr. Ibanga Akpabio, were said to have embarrassed the royal lineage and undermined the family’s long-standing values of respect and unity. It was this persistent public outburst, family sources said, that compelled the Greater Akpabio Family to invoke traditional sanctions culminating in her formal excommunication.
At a press briefing held on Monday at the family hall, Afe Akuku Udo Akpabio, Ukana, and attended by family elders, women, and youth leaders, the family declared that Mrs. Patience Ibanga Akpabio was no longer a member, wife, or representative of the Greater Akpabio Family.
The public statement, jointly signed by the Family Head, Akuku Ekan Akpabio; Sir Emem Akpabio, and 21 other family members including youth leaders, said the decision followed her “continued defiance” of a traditional injunction earlier placed on her to desist from making further public statements about the Senate President and his wife, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio.
According to the statement, “Mrs. Patience Ibanga Akpabio has continued in her tirade, ignoring the injunction by the family. This has brought public ridicule and shame to the Akpabio family and created the impression of a family unable to manage its members.”
The family noted that despite assurances from her husband that she would stop, her actions persisted, prompting the family to take the extreme decision of public disclaimer and excommunication.
“The Greater Akpabio Family shall not condone any act or behaviour that brings the family to disrepute or public opprobrium as exemplified by her current conduct,” the statement read.
While reaffirming their pride in the Senate President’s leadership and achievements, the family condemned what it described as “unwarranted and repeated attacks” on him, calling such acts “repulsive to family values and human dignity.”
The family further warned members of the public against any dealings with Patience in the name of the Akpabio family, insisting she no longer represents their interests in any capacity.
However, the family said there remains room for reconciliation if she expresses genuine remorse and follows proper traditional channels.
“If she has any grievances, apologies or regrets, she should report such to the family hierarchy for a review of our position in line with our customs and traditions,” the statement added.
