From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
It was a blend of sober reflection and celebration as family, friends, associates, prominent societal and government figures gathered in Calabar to pay their last respect to Chief Charles Effiom Duke who died on March 15, 2024.
Born in 1954, Chief Duke, popularly known as Effi Duke, was a renowned community leader, peace loving and dedicated Christian. Aged 68, he raised a noble family which produced Mr. Charles Duke (Jnr) and Capt. Cassandra Idagbo, wife of former House of Representatives member, Legor Idagbo.
In the 70s and 80s, Duke made an indelible inprint in the entertainment industry at the local and international stages, owing to his renowned contribution by co-producing the classy Jimi Cliff Track, ‘Love me,’ and collaborated with music legends, including Fela Kuti, Majek Fashek, Evy Ednna, and Chris Okotie among others.
Mrs Cassandra alongside her husband, Idagbo, who represented Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Federal Constituency left no stone unturned to ensure their father was given a befitting burial.
The opening of the mourning was held on Monday, July 22 while official activities kicked off on the Friday July 26, with a musical concert at the Dome, Calabar Municipal Garden, followed by a funeral service at the Trinity College field.
Top on the list of dignitaries at the funeral were President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbass; Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu; CEO Dangote group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu among others.
Other top brass of the state government led by Governor Bassey Otu included Deputy Governor, Peter Odey; Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, and Sylvester Agabi; Cross River North and Central Senators, Asuquo Ekpenyong and Eteng Williams; former deputy governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ivara Esu and Zonal Coordinator for Akwa Ibom/Cross River Zonal Operations, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Dr. Uduak Obot; Former Cross River State Head of Civil Service, Mr. Timothy Ogbang Akwaji; widow of Ada Bekwarra, Dr. Monica Okom; Ada Bekwarra II, Signor Omang Idiege; Apostle Anne-Fidel Ugbo, special advisers, and director generals of agencies among others.
Their various speeches attested to the fact that Chief Duke lived a fulfilled, exemplary and impactful life.
In his message of consolation, former governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Kalu urged the Duke and Idagbo families to take solace in the enduring legacies he left behind.
The Abia-North Senator said: “It is normal to experience deep sadness arising from the tragic event of losing a loved one. However, as you grieve, please be comforted by the enduring legacy he left behind. We share with you the pain of his transition but will be consoled that he has returned to his Creator.”
Governor Otu spoke passionately about the deep loss felt across the state, highlighting Duke’s immense contributions to its cultural heritage.
“We are not taking care of our artistes, people who have the talents, heritage and the culture. I want to believe that his legacy will live on,” he noted.
President Tinubu described him as a remarkable individual, who touched the lives of many. The President, represented by Gbajabiamila, said Duke’s warmth, kindness, and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
“I feel fortunate to have known him and will always cherish the memories we shared. His contributions to the community were invaluable, and his spirit will live on in the many lives he influenced. His dedication, passion, and commitment to making the world a better place was truly inspiring,” Tinubu expressed.
Dangote spoke of his dedication to God and the welfare of his family, describing him as an admirable father. “His heart of care and compassion for his loved ones and the members of his community endeared him to his numerous admirers and mentees. All his life, he upheld strong moral virtues, displayed love, and left a legacy for others to emulate. As you and your beloved wife, Cassie Duke bid her father, Chief Charles Effiom Duke farewell, our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and those who knew and admired him.”
On the family side, Idagbo extolled the life and times of his father in-law, saying, “He was a great man in every sense of the word. He lived a good life and raised his children well. He is a man that made very good use of time, working around the limits of his ability.
“We are very happy with him. To say the least, he was a proud Efik man who left behind lofty and ever lasting legacies. He never bothered anyone about anything and he lived well.”
Capt. Cassandra said her father was a pleasant man. “I am glad that I have the opportunity to bury him. He left behind large shoes to fill but, we know that with the grace of God, we will be able to carry on his legacy.”
Effiom’s son, Duke Jr said his father was the most kindhearted and free spirited person ever and he was everybody’s friend.
The officiating ministers at the funeral service highlighted Duke’s remarkable life and legacy, offering solace to his family, acknowledging his knowledgeable impacts.
The entertainment sector was not left out as PMAN chairman, Cross River chapter, Emmanuel Effiom, said the association had lost a rare gem. He however noted that he left behind other replicas of himself.
An American Tennis tournament was held in his honour at the Calabar Sports Club.
Spectacular music performances by Nigerian music stars such as Sunny Neji, Iyanya, Real P Ajaba were displayed to celebrate his lasting legacies.
There was a final outing service attended by friends and family at the St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ikot Ansa, Calabar, to mark the end of the week-long funeral rites for the late music maestro.