The tussle for Kingship of the Efik kingdom that has lingered for 15 years has finally been resolved.
The Governor of the State, Senator Bassey Otu took a bold step and recognized His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi V as the validly selected and elected Obong of Calabar. The Governor condemned the dispute that has surrounded the Obongship since 2008.
The confirmation of His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi V as the rightful Obong of Calabar by Governor Otu was contained in a press release signed and made available by the Governor’s Chief press secretary Mr Emmanuel Ogbeche.
The release stated that after undertaking a judicial review of the State High Court and Supreme Court rulings and the Constitution of the Obong’s Palace as well as consultation with the Royal Fathers, it came to a conclusion that the issue of waiver for qualification for a candidate to contest the Obong stool is untenable.
What the constitution says concerning the Obong’s Palace in respect of the procedure for the enthronement of Etubom as Obong of Calabar remains unchangeable, to this effect all acrimony, disaffection and speculations that have come up as a result of the tussle should end.
The Governor further instructed that a team should be set up by the Obong, whose primary duty will be to emerge the two contending parties as a single harmonious, peaceful and progressive rulership of the Efik kingdom.
