From Judex Okoro, Calabar
The Obong of Calabar Executive Forum (OCEF) has commended Cross River state government for quick intervention to save the over 600 years Efik traditional stool.
The Forum said state’s government official recognition of His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V as the authentic selected and elected Obong of Calabar after about 15 years of litigation.
Government in an official statement dated November 7, 2023 and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to governor, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche, Governor Bassey Otu stated that it has become imperative to protect the throne from judicial, social and political scorn as the stool of the Obong of Calabar is about six centuries old, steeped in the ethos of the Efiks and revered among the few first class Kings in Nigeria.
Otu expressed displeasure over the Kingship of Efik nation and the contention for the stool of the Obong of Calabar, stating that “government has granted explicit recognition to His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi V as the Obong of Calabar and brings to final closure the speculation, acrimony and dissatisfaction that may have risen in the course of the tussle for this revered royal stool of the Efik Kingdom.”
Reacting to the new development, the Obong of Calabar Executive Forum (OCEF) in a statement signed by Chief Gershom Henshaw (chairman) and Chief Maurice Ekpenyong (secretary) said: “We express gratitude to the state government for its timely intervention, which has put to an end the unhealthy development in the Efik Kingdom and has restored peace and dignity to the Efik land.
“We also congratulate His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, on his official
recognition by the state government as the validly selected and elected
Obong of Calabar and patriarch of the Efik Kingdom.
“We therefore, call on all the Efiks at home and in the diaspora to rally
round His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, the Obong of Calabar, to
build a prosperous Efik kingdom for the benefit of all and sundry.”