Obong of Calabar
The Obong of Calabar is the traditional ruler and custodian of the culture of the the Efik people. The Obong is referred to as a natural ruler, treaty King, grand patriarch of the Efik Kingdom and defender of the Christian faith. The Efik people are mostly Centred in Calabar, capital of Cross River State. Calabar which was named by the Portuguese was locally known as Awa Akpa in local Efik language.
The Obong of Calabar is usually crowned twice, traditionally and religiously at the Presbyterian church. The Obong's title; defender of the christian faith was given by previous kings of the Europeans during the colonial era. The crown, sword and bible used during coronation are said to be gifts from Queen Victoria after a correspondence with a previous Obong, this led to the myth of the black king marrying the white Queen after the Obong asked her to marry him so they can rule together. Their letters can be seen at the National Musuem in Calabar.
The current Obong of Calabar is Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi otu V, He is the 78th monarch of the Efik people and has held the title since 2008. [1] The Obong of Calabar is the current chancellor of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). [2]
List of Obong's of the Efik Kingdom
Eyamba V (1834-1847)
Archibong I (1849-1852)
Edem-Odo Edem Ekpo (1854-1858)
Orok Edem-Odo (1880-1896)
Bassey Eyo Ephraim Adam III (1882-1886)
Adam Ephraim Adam I (1901-1906) [3]
Controversies
In January 2023 the apex court, Supreme Court dethroned the current Obong of Calabar, Édidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, after years of legal tussle. The case was between the current Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V who has been on the throne since 2008, and his challenger, Etubom Anthony Ani. In the judgment written by Justice Amina Augie and read by Justice Akomaye Agim, the court upheld the judgment of the Appeal Court, Calabar, and ordered for a fresh election.The deposed Obong is still qualified to contest and this will be the fourth time he had to step down for selection exercise. [4]
Days after the sack of the Obong by the Supreme Court, The Obong, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, was re-elected and proclaimed the Obong of Calabar by the Etubom Conclaves.
This was contained in a statement signed by 13 members of the Etubom Conclaves and read to newsmen by the Chairman, His Royal Majesty, Etubom Ntiero Efiwwat, at the palace of the Obong.[5][6]
References
- ^ "Obong of Calabar, King of Efik people, Nigeria - THE AFRICAN ROYAL FAMILIES". theafricanroyalfamilies.com. 2022-11-19. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ Cyril (2022-03-22). "Obong of Calabar urges Buhari to reconstitute FUNAAB governing council". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ Oku, Ekei Essien (1989). The kings & chiefs of Old Calabar, 1785-1925. Calabar: Apellac. ISBN 978-978-30541-0-3.
- ^ Ogunyinka, Victor (2023-01-13). "Suspense As Supreme Court Sacks Obong Of Calabar, Order Selection Of New King". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ "Edidem Otu V is Obong of Calabar, Say Efik Kingmakers - THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ Nigeria, Guardian (2023-01-19). "Obong of Calabar re-elected days after sacking by Supreme Court". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2023-06-28.