Edidem Etim Edward Akpan: Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Council announces passage of Ini Paramount Ruler
The Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council on Thursday proclaimed the demise of the Paramount Ruler of Ini Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty Edidem Etim Edward Akpan.
The proclamation was made by the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, His Eminence Ntenyin Dr Solomon Daniel Etuk, on behalf of the council.
He declared “today, I, His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Daniel Etuk (JP), President General, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, on behalf of myself and members, hereby proclaim and it is hereby proclaimed
that HRM Edidem Etim Edward Akpan, Paramount Ruler of Ini Local Government Area has peacefully joined his ancestors.
“May we respectfully rise and observe a minute silence in honour of our departed colleague.
“By this Proclamation, the State, Local Government, interested parties and organization are urged to open condolence Register in his favour. May I use this opportunity to appeal for the fullest co-operation of all the Traditional Rulers. people of Akwa Ibom, friends and well-wishers throughout the duration of the funeral activities. I also appeal to the Media Houses/Pressmen to accord the obsequies
wide and adequate publicity.”
The Oku Ibom eulogized the deceased as one who was faithful, intelligent, diligent, articulate and dynamic, whose endeared him to the entire people of Ini Local Government Area and Government of Akwa Ibom State to be so honoured as the Paramount Ruler of Ini.
The proclamation statement indicated that he “was born on 17th July 1931 in Mbiabet Ikot Efa Ini Local Government Area as the first child of a great farmer and cocoa merchant.
“His Royal Majesty attended Government Primary School, Ukwok in Ini Local Government Area where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He later proceeded to Saint Paul Commercial School, Aba, which unfortunately was truncated by the demise of his father.
“However, this did not stop him from acquiring more knowledge through seminars in the workshops, conferences and training during his active days in the
judiciary and as a traditional father.
“HRM Edidem Edward Akpan started his career as a primary school teacher and later joined the service of then Ini County Council. He served in different Customary Courts, served in different
District Courts in the State and rose to the position of Higher Inspector.
He worked for twenty-five (25) years in the State Judiciary an
voluntarily retired from service in August, 1988.
“However, the call for leadership came upon him when he was selected
and recognized as the village head of Mbiabet Ikot Efa in 1987, Clan
Head of Ikpe in 1992 and Paramount Ruler of Ini Local Government
Area in 2019 Thus he became the President, Mbiabet Ikpe Group of
Villages, President, Ikpa Clan Council of Chiefs, President, Ini Traditionai
Rulers Council, member Ifim Ibom Ibibio and member, Akwa lbom State
Traditional Rulers Council.”
The late Edidem Etim Edward Akpan became a Paramount Ruler in September 2019. He succeeded Edidem Apostle Nteong Udo Effiong Akpan who had passed away.
