Obong Of Calabar Moves For Reconciliation

• Sets up 7-member  truth committee

BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – In keeping with the Cross River State government’s goodwill and intervention in the dispute over the revered Efik throne, the Etubom Traditional Council (ETC), Obong of Calabar palace, has established a-seven-member independent truth and reconciliation committee to address all outstanding issues of concern.

The Committee, headed by a retired Chief Judge of the State, Justice Michael Edem, is mandated to independently look into the immediate and remote causes of the dispute that trailed the January 2023 Supreme Court judgment on the Obongship.

Among other issues, the Committee is also tasked with establishing truth as it relates to the contention and claims by some parties while also facilitating reconciliation between the parties involved in the succession dispute for the Obong of Calabar throne.

According to a statement by the ETC of the Obong Palace, the Committee is not expected to carry out a judicial review of the Supreme Court judgment or adjudicate on the matter, but rather it should display utmost integrity with respect to the culture and tradition of the Efik people in the course of their assignment.

The Committee came into existence based on the State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s call on all parties parties in the dispute to sheath their sword and demonstrate utter respect to the judicial pronouncement of the nation’s apex Court.

Listed as members of the Committee are a former Deputy Governor of the state, Barrister Effiok Cobham; retired AIG E. Ene Okon; a serving Reverend of the Presbyterian Church, Rev Ubong E, Eyo PhD; Barrister Rosemary Archibong; and High Chief, Prof Eyo Etim Nyong.

The statement endorsed for the media by the Secretary, Etubom Traditional Council of the Obong Palace, His Royal Highness, Etinyin Ekpo O Archibong said the Committee is expected to carry out its assignment in an unbiased and confidential manner.

Forefront News recalled that Governor Bassey Otu, speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, had on November 7, 2023, directed an immediate cessation to the 15 years of contention and legal battles over the rightful person to occupy the Obong of Calabar throne ad the Paramount ruler of the Efik Kingdom.

Pointedly urging the parties involved to embrace peace and set aside their differences, Governor Otu noted that with the Court affirming Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu as the proper and fit occupant of Obong throne, the Palace should move to reconcile all aggrieved parties in the dispute.

The battle for the soul of the revered Efik after so many court cases was finally put to rest when the Supreme Court ruled on 13th January 2023 that the selection process for a new Obong should start afresh.