Akwa Akuku Annang: Akwa-Cross longest serving monarch for installation as pioneer King of Annang Kingdom, December 31st
… As Royal Father marks 59 years on the throne, 98 birthday
… Essien Udim Council Chairman commends Afe Nkuku Annang
The Paramount Ruler of Essien Udim, His Royal Majesty, Obong Cosmas Okon Akpan is to be installed as the pioneer King of Annang Kingdom, Akwa Akuku Annang, by Afe Nkuku Annang, the apex body of all traditional Rulers in Annang.
The Chairman Central Planning Committee, Dr Emmanuel Abraham and made this known during an interactive meeting with the Chairman, Essien Udim Local Government Council, Mr Anthony Luke recently.
According to Dr Abraham, the event which will also mark the Monarch’s 59th years of Royal Service will take place on the 31st December, 2021 while the 98th Birthday Thanksgiving mass is scheduled for Sunday 2nd January 2022 at St Anthony Catholic Church, Ekpenyong Atai 1.
“The event will also feature public presentation of the paramount ruler’s autobiography: ”Not About the Power” and the launching of Obong Cosmas Okon Akpan Education Foundation.”
He noted that some distinguished citizens of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States including the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Emmanuel Udom, will be honoured that day.
The proprietor of Topfaith Schools lamented that Annang nation has been a Kingdom without a king for a long time.
He maintained that the event will be used to showcase the rich cultrual heritage of Annang kingdom to the world.
Recalled that the monarch was celebrated by Akwa Ibom State Government as the “longest serving Paramount Ruler in Akwa Ibom/Cross River during the 30th Anniversary celebration of the State creation.
Available records have shown that Obong Comas Akpan who was a school teacher before his appointment by his people as the village head of Uruk Obong 11, Ekpenyong Atai became the paramount ruler of Ikot Ekpene in 1979 before the creation of Essien Udim LGA in 1991 where he emerged the pioneer paramount ruler till date.
The records also show that the monarch was one of the 10 traditional rulers who signed the treaty for the creation of Akwa Ibom State in 1987.
It was also gathered that in 1983, Obong Cosmas Akpan, a young traditional ruler then, was dispatched to receive Nigeria’s then-military president, General Muhammadu Buhari, who was on a working tour of the old Cross River State, with Essien Udim, then Essien Annang as a key component.
The teacher turned traditional Ruler emerged the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs in May 1988. He played significant role in the peaceful resolution between the warring communities in Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo as the chairman, “Ukanafun/Etim Ekpo boundary dispute resolution Committee” an assignment he carried out with due diligence and succeeded in restoring peace to the communities.
The monarch is a beneficiary of several titles and Awards including the “Longest and Oldest Paramount Ruler in Akwa Ibom/Cross River State” by the Catholic Province of Calabar and a Fellow of the Institute of Administrative Management of Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, Essien Udim Local Government Council, Mr Anthony Luke had pledged the undaunted support of the Council to the success of the event.
“As a Council, we will give the planning committee the necessary support to succeed in this enormous task,” he assured.
Luke who stated this during an interactive meeting with the Central Planning Committee expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the life of the monarch, noting that Essien Udim has remained the most peaceful local government under his reign.
He commended “Afe Nkuku Annang” for taking the bull by the horn to give Annang Kingdom a King noting that Annang was long overdue for a King to reign over the Kingdom.
