Edidem Otu Gets Kingmakers’ Nod, Returns As Obong Of Calabar

• Etuboms’ Conclave honours Supreme Court judgment

BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – In compliance with the recent ruling of the Supreme Court, the Etuboms’ Conclave of the Efik Traditional Rulers Council has re-selected Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V as the Obong of Calabar and traditional ruler of the Efik Kingdom.

Chairman of the Etuboms’ Conclave, His Royal Highness (HRH), Etubom Ntiero Edem Offiong Effiwatt made the proclamation at the Obong’s Palace in Calabar, the Cross River State capital on Wednesday, January 18, 2023.

According to Etubom Effiwat, the decision comes against the backdrop of careful deliberations over the Supreme Court judgment as well as due consultations with leaders of all the royal houses.

The apex Court had ordered a fresh selection process following the litigation dating back to over a decade that had trailed his (Edidem Abasi-Otu) initial selection and crowning as the Obong of Calabar and traditional ruler of the Efik Kingdom.

He explained that the Etuboms’ Conclave members were unanimous in their choice of Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V as the most qualified candidate for the Obongship of the ancient Efik throne.

Etubom Effiwatt said the Obongship stool is too dear to the Efik kingdom, which is why they had to be circumspect and select the most qualified personality in strict compliance with the recent apex Court decision.

He also stated that the emergence of Etubom Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu of Adiabo Ikot Mbo Otu Royal House satisfied the qualification and eligibility spelt out in the constitution of Etubom Council of 2002.

The statement by Etubom Effiwat confirming the development said; “Among other things, the Etubom’s Council has complied with the Supreme Courts Order and taken all the necessary steps leading to the convening of the Etuboms’ Conclave and conducting a selection process and found Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu of Attai Bocco House of Western Calabar, who was presented as nominee by the most senior Etubom of Atai Bocco group, Etubom Otu Effa Otu as provided for by the Constitution of Etuboms’ Council 2002, was found fully qualified and satisfied by his credentials and therefore proclaimed him a successor to the throne of Obong of Calabar”.

This latest proclamation of Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V as the Obong of Calabar was signed by 13 Etuboms representing the various Efik Royal Houses in the Palace.

When contacted on the government’s official position on the matter, Special Adviser to the Governor on traditional matters, Hon Ifop Adoga said the Obongship institution is not within the frame work of the Cross River State’s Traditional Rulers Council edict.

He said given the position of the existing laws, the State government cannot dabble into an issue that is clearly not within its purview.