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Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, in his palace with guests
By Akpan David, Calabar
The Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V has warned that those angling to become Obong of Calabar and attempting to desecrate the Efik throne can not succeed.
He warned them to desist forth, saying there are grave consequences.
The Obong of Calabar addressed the Etuboms’ Traditional Council of the Obong of Calabar palace, advisers and visitors on the announcement by a few traditional rulers that announced that former finance minister under late General Sani Abacha, Chief Anthony Ani has become Obong of Calabar.
His Eminence Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V spoke at the end of a special meeting at his palace in Efik language.
He invoked the wrath of God on all those struggling over his stool and desecrating the Efik Kingdom.
He said, “If you work in a rightful way, you will get it right. Similarly, if you seek after the negative paths, negative things will find you out.
“All those outside fighting to desecrate Efik Kingdom, we pray for God’s wrath to visit them one by the one.”
It would be recalled that for 15 years, there has been tussle over the revered Efik stool, climaxing at the Supreme Court last January 2023 which ordered that a fresh selection be done.
This was reportedly complied with when kingmakers in the palace of the Obong of Calabar got together and completed the processes as demanded by the apex court, leading to the affirmation and proclamation of incumbent, His Eminence Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu v as the Obong of Calabar.
But the camp of former minister of finance, Chief Anthony Ani who was seen not to be qualified ab initio, to vie for the stool disagreed that the order of the Supreme Court was not followed. They claimed to be the ‘authentic kingmakers’ allegedly authorized by their traditional constitution to conduct the process for a new Obong of Calabar. They therefore proclaimed Anthony Ani as the Obong of Calabar yesterday.
Abasi-Otu called on all Efik sons and daughters not to stand aloof but join hands with his palace and fight the attempt by a few ambitious persons to pull down the revered Efik throne to the end.
He expressed displeasure at attempt to desecrate the throne, saying that what was happening has gone beyond ancestral tolerance.
He warned that the desecration must stop forthwith.
“My pain and surprise is that one or two Efik sons are part of this odd behaviour.”
He called on his subjects to remain calm and united and should not join others to attempt to desecrate the revered stool.
He said all that is hot will become cold, adding that whatever anyone shows, he will reap whether he sows good or bad, he will reap exactly.
“My happiness is that since all of us are are united over our decision , and are solidly behind the person we chose and affirmed as the Obong of Calabar. We will stand by him whether in storm or in fair weather to ensure that nobody from outside the kingdom comes to struggle over the revered stool.
“All that is happening, God is fully aware of them all. Therefore, it doesn’t disturb us. But anyone struggling over what he doesn’t have and goes through whichever route, that route he is taking will become very far off for him.”
The Obong of Calabar went on to state that he would have invoked more wraths if a few sons of his kingdom were not involved.
He urged his subjects to be careful with those they associate or live with and not to hobnob with strangers to pull down Efik throne.
He further expressed worry over effects of fake news in the social media about development over the stool.
“I do not stop you from reading them but take what you read and compare with the writer and decipher who he is or where he comes from. But I assure that the pittance they collect will choke them this time around.”
Meanwhile, it is confirmed that the Department of State Security and Nigeria Police have since invited the arrowheads of the traditional power tussle and interrogated them.
