New Calabar monarch presented to state govt

Gill Nsa-Abasi, Calabar - 22.05.2008

THE new Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, has been presented to the Special Adviser to the Cross River State Government of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Emmanuel Arop, who will present him to the state governor to hand him the staff of office.

The presentation, which was done by the council of kingmakers (Etubom’s Council) at the official palace of the Obong of Calabar located at No 7 Effanga Ansa Street, Calabar South, was witnessed by representatives of all the 12 houses of the Efiks.

In an address at the occasion, the Chairman of the council, Etubom Essien Ekpenyong Efiok, said “the ceremony of presentation of the new Obong of Calabar to the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Matters to the state government, does not only vindicate our claims, it is also an eloquent testimony to our adherence to due process in the selection, proclamation and the traditional coronation of His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, which took place on May 3 at the Efik kingship shrine (Efe Asabo).”

He noted with “dismay that in the last three months, some persons have spawned several tales and actions that were deliberately geared to rubbish the Efik throne. As the unsuspecting public braced up with the happenings, it is gradually being realized that so much talk, deceit and intrigues that have characterized these falsehood orchestrated by some media are nothing but the precipitation of the imagination of those that do not have lien to the throne but want the whole world to believe that they do. It is rather unfortunate that such nefarious tendencies have been allowed to take effect.” he added.

He also noted that the Etuboma’s council condemned in strong terms, the insinuations by some group of persons that tried to drag either the state or local government and or their officials into disrepute over the Obongship of Calabar matter.