By Magnus Effiong
With the palace of the Efik kingdom begging for an upgrade in space and physical edifices, the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V has called on the Efik people both at home and in diaspora to work towards making the age-long dream of building a beffitting palace a reality.
The Monarch made the remarks in Calabar,Thursday, during a solidarity visit to the Obong’s palace by Offiong Okoho Royal Houses over a recent re-selection and proclamation of Edidem Abasi-Otu V as the Obong in line with the Supreme Court judgement delivered in January after 15 years of legal tussle for the throne.
Recall that Women Groups, Igbo Community, Ekpo Abasi Royal House, Otung Eyo Ema, comprising Ibitam, Akabom Ene, Ekpo Nta Ene Houses had earlier paid the Monarch solidarity visits
Speaking while thanking members of the Offiong Okoho Royal House for the visit, Edidem Abasi-Otu charged his subjects to stop bickerings and unnecessary bitterness, saying all hands should be on deck so as to confront the challenge of the Efik kingdom not having a befitting palace.
“The Efik kingdom should take its pride of place as one of the oldest kingdoms in Nigeria by building a beffitting palace for itself. If you visit other kingdoms, you would be surprised at the efullgence and display of royalty and beauty.
“I appeal to all of us to eschew infighting, hatred and unforgiveness. We are one, we are Efiks. We are known for unique customs, traditions, cuisines and way of life.
“The Efik throne has been around for many years before others but unfortunately, we are still maintaining this old palace which was put together by our ancestors many years ago and which, as we could see, has become too small and certainly unbefitting in this present generation.
“As an Obong, I live in my own house which is many kilometres away from this palace, but I believe this narratives should change in my time. Even if I do not live in a new palace, at least let the foundation of the new palace be laid and I will be satisfied. This ugly situation should be brought to an end,” he submitted
Earlier, spokesman for the Offiong Okoho Royal House, Chief Charles Obo Offiong, said the Offiong Okoho Royal Houses, which is made up of Ekpenyong Offiong Okoho House, Mbang Offiong Okoho, Abasi Offiong Okoho and James Edem Ekpenyong Offiong Okoho Houses has faith in the ability of the Obong and The Etuboms Traditional Council to scale the legal hurdles.
“We were not disturbed because the Kingmakers in the Etuboms Traditional Council had always followed due process on the selection of the Obong of Calabar to sit on the throne of Efik kingdom.
“We are here to rejoice with and to pledge our unalloyed loyalty to His Eminence, the Obong of Calabar and the Etuboms Traditional Council,” the spokesman stated.
