Shun Divisive Tendencies – Obong Of Calabar Cautions Govts, Leaders
- Seeks greater bonding among Nigerians for peace, progress
BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – The Obong of Calabar and the grand patriarch of the Efik Kingdom, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, has challenged governments and political leaders at all levels to shun divisive tendencies for the overall good and development of Nigeria.
He said demonstrating greater love for the country in words and actions should be the preoccupation of government and every patriotic leader instead of promoting hate and animosity among the people for their self-aggrandizement and conceitedness.
The Obong, who called for a greater bonding among Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities, said there is no greater sacrifice that Nigerians owe their fatherland than exploring every available opportunity to engender peace and good neighborliness among themselves.
The Royal Father stated this at the 2022 edition of the annual cultural celebration of Utomo Obong which ended recently in the ancient city of Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
The Utomo Obong festival is a colourful, magnificent, and grand occasion when the Efik people come together to pay homage to and express their love for their King, the Obong of Calabar.
Edidem Otu, who played host to various ethnic groups resident in the state during the festival, said it imperative for government authorities and leaders to always deploy their actions and utterances as a means of genuine love for the unity and progress of Nigeria.
On the worrying state of insecurity in the country, the revered traditional ruler urged the federal government to step up efforts at ensuring that Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic leanings, are guaranteed their safety and security in any part within the country’s territorial boundary.
He said the Efiks are peace-loving people who cherish their comfort at all times and that his reign on the revered thrown would stop at nothing in ensuring that the residents and visitors are guaranteed their safety within the kingdom.
The various ethnic groups, including the Igbos, Yorubas, and the Hausa/Fulanis among others, who graced the event, spoke in one accord as they heaped encomiums on the Obong whose eleven years on the throne has witnessed remarkable peace in Calabar.
Speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of the cultural festival, the Spokesperson for the Igbo community in Calabar, and Chief Executive of Peterson Electronic Merchandise, Hon Sir Chukwuemaka Egwuonwu, praised the Efik monarch for his remarkably peaceful reign since mounting the traditional stool.
Hon Egwuonwu, who is a special adviser to the Enugu State Governor, noted that the Royal Father’s 11 years on the throne have witnessed remarkable and tremendous growth in their various businesses due to the congenial economic environment in the state.
Also in her remarks, the Vice President of the Yoruba community, Hon Mrs Adegoke Oyeleye, described their presence at the occasion as a demonstration of the high regard the Yoruba community accord to the Efik throne.
She noted that the reign of the present Obong of Calabar has been impactful both in their business and interpersonal relationships with the host community.
The event witnessed colourful parades by the different royal houses that constitute the Efik kingdom.
Also, there were cultural displays showcasing most of the ancient traditional masquerades with many commentators expressing concern that they are almost going extinct among the Efik people.
