The Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, expressed joy and gratitude to his colleagues for their robust support during a 15-year legal battle with the former finance minister of late Gen Sani Abacha’s regime. The former minister sought to dethrone him through various court cases.
Speaking in his palace, the Obong received the South-South Monarchs Forum, led by its Chairman, His Majesty (Dr) Dandeson Douglas Jaja Jeki V, OFR, Jaja of Opobo, who came to rejoice with him over his eventual victory.
The Obong lauded the Monarchs for their show of love, stating that the South-South Monarchs had once again proven that they remained their brothers’ keepers. He expressed his commitment to bringing all the people together for the good of the Efik kingdom.
“I commend you for this show of solidarity, and I will not take this for granted. We will continue to do our very best to bring all our people together for the good of the Efik kingdom,” said the Obong of Calabar.
The South-South Monarchs Forum called on Efik leaders who may have lost out or been misled during the throne tussle to sheathe their swords and join hands with the Obong to build a great Efik kingdom.
The Jaja of Opobo expressed gratitude for the end of the distraction, stating, “We commend the Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, for upholding the truth in line with the tradition of the Efik people.”
The Jaja of Opobo said their visit to Abasi Otu, V, was to show solidarity and appreciation to God for bringing the distraction to an end.
“We are here under the umbrella of the South-South Monarchs Forum on a solidarity visit to one of our own, the Obong of Calabar, who has been affirmed as the duly selected Obong of Calabar. We commend the Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, for upholding the truth in line with the tradition of the Efik people.
“On behalf of the South-South Monarchs Forum, I appeal to those who may have lost out to sheath their swords in the interest of Efik people. In life, we must know when to say, ‘It is alright; let us all come together as one people to build our heritage.’ I urge us all to again embrace peace, which Efik people are known for,” he pleaded.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, commended the Etuboms’ Traditional Council for remaining steadfast with Abasi Otuu.
They also commended the council for shunning material and monetary inducements so that they were religiously adhering to Efik tradition in choosing the Obong of Calabar.
Recall that while Edidem Abasi-Otu V was duly re-selected and proclaimed as Obong of Calabar by the Etuboms’ Conclave in line with the Supreme Court judgment of January 2023, some Efik leaders decided to pitch a tent with the former Finance Minister.
Last week, Governor Bassey Otu nailed the coffin when he affirmed Edidem Abasi-Otu V as the Obong of Calabar.
