Obong of Calabar is an epitome of peace – Cross River Community Leaders
The Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, the natural King of Efik Kingdom has been described by the various groups of community residents in Cross River State as the epitome of Peace of time.
The group made the exertion as they pay their yuletide homage to the Treaty King of Efik Kingdom during 2022, 11th edition of the Utomo Obong which took place over the week at the Adiabo Ikot Obo, Odukpani Local Government Council, Cross River State, the Ancestral home of the Obong.
Responding, during an interview with the newsmen, Chief Livinus Chukwuemeka, Managing Director, Livinco Electronic, who represented the Eze Igbo of Cross River, Chief E.N.Ezenwa.
“Obong is the friend to everybody, Obong is the father to everybody for indigenes and non-indigenes, we Igbos are here, the Yorubas are here, Hausas are here. What do you need again, we are here to show that Obong is for everybody”
On his part, Hon. Chief Chukwueme, MD, Peterson Electronics, Calabar.
“”I am here, the Igbos and other tribes are here, and Cross Riverians are here in their thousands to celebrate a man whose God has elevated, a man who is endowed with lots of grace, a man whose have used to make sure he brings maximum peace to Cross River State in general. A man who never discriminates. A man who sees God as the only way to do anything in life. I am here to celebrate with the man whose God had favoured. The Igbos are here because of the King’s quality leadership to the generality of people in his Kingdom.
In part, Prof. Edisua Iton, Says, ” We are here to pay homage and show our profound gratitude to our Treaty King, for his charismatic love and natural rulership he displayed throughout his Eleven years as our King”
He said Obong is a man God has used to bring lasting peace in Cross River State among various tribes and communities living in Cross River. Ibong does not discriminate, and we join voices to pray that this peace will remain as we go into an election year, may that peace remain forever”
Speaking also, Mrs Adegoke Oyeleye, Vice President of Yoruba Community in Cross River, opined, that, The turn out of Yorubas in their numbers at this year’s Utomo Obong Is a pure demonstration of the high level of respect the Yorubas had host Monarch, describing Obong as the father of all and man of
peace.
“Our turnout in this year Utomo Obong, I want to say is a pure demonstration of the high level of our respect for the Yorubas for our host Monarch, the Obong of Calabar. Ibong is a father of all and a man of peace”
Also commending, (Arch) Bassey Ndem, member of the Efik Traditional Rulers Council, during an interview with the newsmen at the event stated that,
“”The outpowering of encomium and goodwill on the Obong in this year’s Utomo Obong is a clear indication of the hard work of his selfless service to humanity throughout his Eleven years on the throne.
The Obong has done very well since he ascended the throne 11 years now of his ancestors. This is an occasion for all tribes and tongues to come together as one under the leadership of our father who is the Treaty King. We pray that God will continue to bless him and grant him long life, and the wisdom to continue to lead our people””
In his remarks as the king uses Vernacular, the Treaty King and the natural ruler of the Efik Kingdom, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu – V expresses gratitude for the massive turnout of the various groups, tribes and tongues to the 11th in the series of Utomo Obong 2022 Festival, which the king said it was a clear indication that his prayers for the peaceful co-existence and unity among the Nigerian people has been answered by our Creator.
His Eminence said, “I wish to express my gratitude for the massive turnout of the various clans of our 12 tribes of Efik kingdom, various groups, tribes and tongues to this 11th Yuletide, Utomo Obong 2022 festival. It is a clear indication that our prayers for peaceful co-existence and unity among the Nigerian people have been answered by our creator even as the nation Is being prepared for another transition through the 2023 general elections””
The Monarch stressed.
The event climaxed the Yuletide homage by dignitaries, various tribes, 12 Clans that make up the Efik Kingdom, Calabar Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, and Ibibio community groups, thousands of well-wishers as well as cultural and traditional dancers.
