Itai Afe Annang iv: Governor Emmanuel, Anthony Luke eulogise Okuku Pius Esideh 111
As the remains of Itai Afe Annang iv and Clan Head of Ikpe Annang, Okuku (Dr) Pius Effiong Esideh 111 was finally interred in his country home Ebe Ikpe in Ikpe Annang, Essie Udim LGA, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has described the late monarch as “a man of justice who always stood for what’s fair and just”
The Governor who stated this while eulogising the royal father added that the late Itai Afe Annang iv was his personal friend and “a man of character and charisma”
Reading from the scriptures in the book of Isaiah 5:20, the Governor charged people to fear God and shun bitterness and rancour but allow God to guide as electioneering campaigns commences in 2022.
In his condolence message, the Chairman of Essien Udim, Mr Anthony Luke also described the late monarch as a great icon of peace who departed when his wise counsel is needed most by the council.
“”Akuku Esideh 111 was not just the custodian of culture and traditions of Annangland, he also played very significant role in ensuring that the interest of his subjects is taken care of and the spirit of co-operation, communal living, and peaceful co-existence which Essien Udim and indeed Annang people are known for are preserved.
“”His Majesty was a great family man, a courageous, patriotic community leader, a strict disciplinarian, role model and a great teacher who had made tremendous impact in socio-economic and human capacity development,” he noted.
The Chairman urged the family to be consoled in the fact that the patriach was a wonderful man who had made tremendous impact in the socio-economic and human capacity building as a traditional ruler and a teacher.
In his homily at the funeral mass, Rev Fr Dr Chris Umoh described him as a leader like David who obeyed God and walked according to His ordinances as a king.
He noted that the late monarch was a colossus, a humble, sociable, courageous and devoted Catholic who christinised the traditional institution and also led his subject to serve God.
He added that as a lecturer, the monarch taught his students with the fear of God and also instilled discipline in his student to enable them succeed.
Biography of the deceased indicates that the monarch was born in 1947 in Ebe Ikpe Village, Ikpe Annang in Essien Udim LGA.
According to the biography, the late patriarch taught in the university of Uyo and also served as administrative officer in National Electoral Commissioner (NEC) now Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before he was selected as the Village Head of Ebe Ikpe and as the Clan Head of Ikpe Annang Clan.
