The Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, expressed profound gratitude to his colleagues for their resolute support during a 15-year legal dispute with the former finance minister of late Gen Sani Abacha’s regime. The former minister sought to depose him through a series of court cases, a struggle that tested his endurance and tested his mettle.
Addressing his esteemed visitors in the grandeur of his palace, the Obong extended a warm welcome to the South-South Monarchs Forum, led by its Chairman, His Majesty (Dr) Dandeson Douglas Jaja Jeki V, OFR, Jaja of Opobo, who had journeyed to celebrate his eventual triumph.
The Obong applauded the Monarchs for their unwavering support, emphasizing that the South-South Monarchs had yet again demonstrated their unwavering solidarity. He affirmed his dedication to unifying his people for the betterment of the Efik kingdom.
“I commend you for this remarkable show of solidarity, and I am deeply appreciative. We will persist in our efforts to unite all our people for the prosperity of the Efik kingdom,” voiced the Obong of Calabar.
The South-South Monarchs Forum urged the Efik leaders who may have been embroiled or misguided during the throne dispute to set aside their differences and collaborate with the Obong in the noble task of constructing a thriving Efik kingdom.
The Jaja of Opobo expressed gratitude over the dissipation of the distracting discord, affirming, “We commend the Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, for upholding the truth in accordance with the traditions of the Efik people.”
The Jaja of Opobo elucidated that their convocation with Abasi Otu V was a demonstration of solidarity and gratitude to the divine for bringing the discord to a conclusion.
“We are here under the aegis 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 accordance with the traditions of the Efik people.
“On behalf of the South-South Monarchs Forum, I implore those who may have been disenfranchised to lay down their swords, in the interest of the Efik people. In life, we must discern when to declare, ‘It is well; let us unite as one people to nurture our heritage.’ I implore us all to once again embrace the peace for which the Efik people are renowned,” he pleaded.
Adding to the discourse, the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, commended the Etuboms’ Traditional Council for standing unwaveringly with Abasi Otuu.
They also commended the council for eschewing material and pecuniary inducements, showcasing their unwavering commitment to Efik tradition in the selection of the Obong of Calabar.
Recall that whilst Edidem Abasi-Otu V was duly reinstated and proclaimed as the Obong of Calabar by the Etuboms’ Conclave in observance of the Supreme Court ruling of January 2023, some Efik leaders chose to align with the former Finance Minister.
Last week, Governor Bassey Otu definitively affirmed Edidem Abasi-Otu V as the Obong of Calabar, thus bringing closure to the disputations that had loomed large over the kingdom.
