Obong Of Calabar Stool: Gov Otu Warns Mischief-Makers
- To sanction those fueling embers of discord
- Assures Efik Monarch of befitting palace
Gov Otu and Obong of Calabar at the traditional Utomo Obong festival
BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has warned mischief-makers to desist from inducing crisis over the revered Obong of Calabar traditional stool or face the full wrath of the law.
This is as he also promised to build a befitting palace for the Obong before ending his tenure in the State Government House.
Governor Otu, who spoke during the 2023 traditional Utomo Obong festival at Adiabo in Calabar Municipality, said the government would not shy away from reining in those fanning the embers of discord within the Efik Kingdom over unverified claims to Obongship stool.
Warning trouble makers to desist forthwith or face the wrath of the law, Prince Otu said his administration goodwill and silence over the matter should not be mistaken as a sign of weakness, adding that he is prepared to wield the big stick against anyone out to foment chaos in the state.
He also said the government would continue to partner with the traditional institution for good governance, assuring the people that arrangements are in top gear to ensure the supply of portable water to every home while ensuring that major streets are properly lit in the State capital and beyond.
In his welcome remarks, the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi appreciated the State government for including the annual Utomo Obong festival in the State Tourism calendar.
The respected Monarch assured Governor Otu of the Efik people’s support and loyalty in the task of moving Cross River State to greater heights of glory in the coming years.
Forefront News reports that the Utomo Obong festival is “a very colourful, magnificent and grand occasion” in which the Efik people gather to pay homage and express love for their King, the Obong of Calabar.
Usually, the ceremony takes place in December of every year with more than 10,000 persons in attendance, drawn from the 58 Efik Clans and over 270 villages within the Efik Eburutu Kingdom.
