OCEF commends Gov. Otu over support to Obong of Calabar in council
The members of the Obong of Calabar Executive Forum, (OCEF) in a statement jointly signed by Chief Gershom Henshaw, (Chairman), and Chief Maurice Ekpeyong (Secretary) made available to journalists in Calabar, said they were pleased with the decision of the state government to put an end to the prolonged crisis over the stool.
The (OCEF) has acknowledged with dignity the decision of the government of the day controlled by His Excellency Governor Bassey Edet Otu for his recognition of His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V as the authentic and duly elected Obong of Calabar.
The forum stated that the Obong of Calabar is not just a traditional ruler but also a symbol of unity, culture, and heritage of the Efik nation and the entire Cross River State.
They also expressed optimism that with the resolution of the crisis, the Obong would continue to play his role in promoting peace, unity, and development in the state.
The (OCEF) commended Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu for his commitment to ensuring peace and progress in the state and urged him to continue to prioritize the welfare of the people.
The statement reads this:
“We express gratitude to the state government for its timely intervention, which has put to an end the unhealthy development in the Efik Kingdom and has restored peace and dignity to the Efik land”
“We also congratulate His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, on his official recognition by the state government as the validly selected and affirmed Obong of Calabar and patriarch of the Efik Kingdom”
“We, therefore, call on all the Efiks at home and in the diaspora to rally
round His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, the Obong of Calabar, to build a prosperous Efik kingdom for the benefit of all and sundry.”
Similarly, In a Press statement signed over the week by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Emmanuel Obgeche, the statement reads in parts:
“It has become imperative to protect the throne from judicial, social and political scorn as the stool of the Obong of Calabar is about six centuries old, steeped in the ethos of the Efiks and revered among the few first-class Kings in Nigeria”
Otu expressed disapproval over the unwarranted tussle regarding the Kingship of the Efik nation and opined that the:
“Government has granted explicit recognition to His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi V as the Obong of Calabar and brings to final closure the speculation, acrimony, and dissatisfaction that may have risen in the course of the tussle for this revered royal stool of the Efik Kingdom.”
