The Ikot Ani family of Mbiabo Ikoneto in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State has filed a stay of execution against a recent High Court judgment that favored former Finance Minister Anthony Ani in a land dispute case.

The dispute centers around the legality of a letter of administration issued to Etubom Adolphus Eniang Owong, which granted him ownership of farmlands inherited from his late father, Etubom Etim Eniang Owong, who served as clan head of Mbiabo Ikoneto for 28 years.

In a judgment delivered on April 8, 2025, Justice Edem Ita Koofre of the Calabar High Court set aside the letter of administration (No.LA/780/2010) that was issued by the probate division of the Cross River State High Court on December 14, 2012. The court also invalidated a certificate of additional assets issued on February 21, 2013, which was signed by Willie A. Inyang, the Chief Registrar.

Justice Koofre ruled that Etubom Adolphus Eniang Owong failed to establish the precise nature of his late father's title to the land mentioned in the letter of administration. The judge maintained that the lands in contention are communally owned by the Mbiabo Traditional Council.

However, the probate division, through its counsel Dr. N.I. Ofem, argued that the farmlands specified in the letter of administration did not refer to the entire villages of Mbiabo Ikoneto but specifically to lands inherited and owned by the late Etubom Etim Eniang Owong, as stated in the affidavit of next of kin.

Bassey Aikpo, counsel to Etubom Adolphus Eniang Owong, disclosed that they have filed an order of stay of execution pending the hearing and determination of their appeal against Justice Koofre's judgment. The appeal has been duly served to all relevant parties.

Members of the Ikot Ani family, including Chief Etim Nsa Ani, Chief Offiong Nsa Ani, and Chief Ani Ani Nsa, expressed disappointment with the judgment, describing it as a miscarriage of justice. They questioned how a court could set aside a letter of administration that was duly issued by a competent court since 2010.

The family members also recalled that in 2019, they had challenged Anthony Ani when he allegedly attempted to take over Ikot Ani land for personal interests under the guise of using it for Basin Development Authority.

Anthony Ani served as Minister of Finance during the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha. The case highlights ongoing tensions over land ownership and inheritance rights in Cross River State.