By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
The Obong of Calabar Executive Forum (OCEF) appealed to Efiks at home and in the diaspora to be guided in their further public comments and actions in the matter of the revered Efik Throne so as not to misrepresent the facts or misinform the public.
The appeal was contained in a press release issued and signed by chairman and Secretary of the Forum, Chief Gershom E Henshaw and Chief (Dr) Maurice Ekpenyong, “we are law abiding institution and have always complied with all judgements, particularly the January 13, 2023 Supreme Court Judgement’s Order which resulted in the re-emergence of Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, as the Obong of Calabar.”
The release went on saying “it is worth of reminding All And Sundry that our tradition remains sacrosant in the conduct of the affairs of the Obong of Calabar.
It added “our custom do not accommodate recrimination on social media. Indeed, the business of Ekpe and Ubong are of utmost confidentiality.”
Therefore, it noted, “we assures all Efik and friends of Efik that we are alive to our respobilities and shall ensure that everything,traditionally stipulated are observed at all times in the business of the Palace and Efik Nation as a whole “.
It further warned that “we shall not allow personal or selfish interests to prevail over custom. The sanctity of the Throne shall be respected and protected as Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V is on the throne and remains the Obong of Calabar, Natural Ruler, Treaty King, Defender of the Christian Faith And Grand Patriarch of the Efik Kingdom”.