For the Records: Profile of Akwa Akuku Annang 1, HRM Obong Cosmas O. Akpan
On Friday, 31st December 2021, the people of Annang Nation, one of the major ethnic groups in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria rolled out drums to celebrate the installation of their Pioneer King, “Akwa Akuku Annang 1” His Royal Majesty Obong Cosmas Okon Akpan, Paramount Ruler of Essien Udim by Afe Nkuku Annang, the Supreme traditional Rulers Institution in the land.
The colourful and epochal event which took place at Essien Udim Local Government Secretariat Afaha Ikot Ebak drew people from all walks of life across Nigeria to witness the enthronement of a new King that will reign in Annang Kingdom.
Obong Cosmas O. Akpan, Akwa Akuku Annang 1
The Citation of the reigning King is here presented:
Early Life and Education
Born May, 1934 into the royal family of the Clan Head Ekpenyong Atai 1, Akuku Akpan Idemnno, with a long line of great leaders and chiefs in Uruk Obong 2 in Essien Udim LGA, Akwa Ibom State, HRM Akuku Cosmas Akpan was introduced to Christianity and the accompanying Western civilization by his father at an early stage. As a Catholic faithful, he was christened “Cosmas” by Rev. Father Irish, a priest from Ireland. The name signifies grace, just as God’s special grace has come to manifest most abundantly in our great royal father, his family and his community.
He began his primary school at St. Anthony‘s Primary School, Ekpenyong Atai, and later continued at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Urua Akpan (1943-1952), from where he immediately proceeded to Boy’s Vocational School, Ididep (then under the Old Itu Division/Local Government, and now under Ibiono Ibom LGA) in 1953. Thereafter, he took up a job as a teacher. In 1955, then young Cosmas went for further studies at the Teachers’ Training College (TTC), Urua- Inyang in Ika (1959-1960). Desirious of attaining the peak of his career as a teacher, he went further to the Teachers’ Training College (TTC), Ediene, Abak, in 1970.
He earned certificates from all of these institutions. It is an amazing rarity that our royal father’s virtuous leadership traits were discovered even at this early stage of his life as he was made the Senior College Prefect in all the schools he attended on account of his easily noticeable enviable character qualities.
His formal education secured him a place in the classroom, and he taught most faithfully and passionately from1954 to 1987, when he left in order to face the very challenging new responsibility of Paramount Ruler.
In 1961, HRM Cosmas O. Akpan had concluded plans to further his education abroad when the clarion call to serve his people came. Like little King David in the Bible, Cosmas did not choose the, throne chose him even when he sought to escape. Yet, the duty had come, just as the eye of the Most High God willed it to be. Obong Cosmas Akpan received his certificate of recognition as the Clan Head of Ekpenyong Atai in 1962. He represented and defended the interests of his people in a manner which left indelible imprint on Annang Traditional history.
On the floor of the erstwhile South Eastern House of Chiefs, Obong Cosmas Akpan displayed dignity, decency and fearlessness. He spoke against the oppression of the Annang people in Nigeria. His doggedness, alongside that of other agitators for the Annang nation, ultimately resulted in making him the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene LGA of the then Cross River State, Nigeria, a domain which formerly included the present Essien Udim and Obot Akara LGAs. It is on record that afier the creation of Akwa Ibom State in 1987, the State Council of Chiefs (also known as the Traditional Rulers Council, TRC) found HRM Obong Cosmas Okon Akpan worthy of becoming the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs from 2001-2002
The King on his throne
Devotion to God
Obong Cosmas Akpan is a devout Christian and the founder of the Catholic Traditional Rulers Association in Ikot Ekpene Catholic Diocese since 2004. He became the first chairman of the group, whose primary aim and objective is to enlighten the society that the traditional stool is not synonymous with diabolism because Christ, in Luke 19: 13 admonishes: ‘Occupy till I come””.
Up until 1967, when the General Yakubu Gowon’s administration created the 12 states, Ikot Ekpene was in the Mainland part of the then Calabar Province in the then Eastern Nigerian region; but following the splitting up of the defunct regions into 12 states, the Mainland part became a part of the then South Eastern State .
In 1976, South Eastern State was re-named Cross River State. This change in name did not satisfy the people, who perceived the development as a half measure. Rather, the re-naming of the state encouraged them to carry on the struggle for a state of their own.
After the collapse of Nigeria’s second attempt at civil rule in 1983, a memorandum demanding the creation of Akwa Ibom State was submitted to the General Buhari’s Administration by the Paramount Rulers from the 10 local government areas that made up the Mainland part of the then Cross River State. It is on record that HRM Obong Cosmas O. Akpan was one of those who signed the said memorandum, though it did not yield the desired result immediately. Undaunted, the people waited for another opportunity which came when, in 1986, the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida set up a Political Bureau to define the future political direction of the country. The memorandum was then re-submitted.
In all, HRM Obong Cosmas Akpan is a man who bases his whole life both private and social on rectitude. In his eyes lies no honour for those who aspire to the top through questionable and disputable means. It is this quality, more than other endowments, that singles him out as a unique personality apart from the common run of jostling humanity.
Today, we look back with nostalgia to his younger days when he led an actlve life, revelmg in good living and displaying so much effervescence and vivacity. We wish that God continue to spare his life for more years of useful service to his people in Jesus’ most powerful name.
Ladies and Gentlemen, let me, hence, most respectfully present to on THE LONGEST SERVING PARAMOUNT RULER in Akwa Ibom State a great lover of education, a disciplinarian, a man of God, an epitome of Annang traditions and culture, a great Annang sage an icon, a bridge between government and the people, a lover of peace and, above all, a man of grace, as his name, Cosmas, suggests.
HRM OBONG COSMAS O. AKPAN, THE PARAMOUNT RULER, ESSIEN UDIM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA AND CLAN HEAD OF EKPENYONG ATAI CLAN.
Essien Udim Council Boss Marks 42 Days in Office with Massive Rural Roads Grading With today marking one month and 12 days in office and his recognition of the critical role that roads play in the socio-economic development of any...
Don't Go for Xmas Vacation, Gov Umo Eno Warns Contractors Governor Umo Eno has announced that he is ready to inject 50 Billion naira between now and December 2024 into ongoing public infrastructure in Akwa Ibom State to speed up...
