The Efik Unity Forum has urged the dethroned Etubom Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu to cease presenting himself as the Obong of Calabar.
In a statement released by Chief Isaac Effiom, the group’s Secretary, and shared with the media, they expressed their desire for Nigerians to appeal to the deposed Obong, emphasizing the importance of preserving the esteemed position for the sake of peace and unity among the Efik people, both within the homeland and abroad.
They urged him to stop embarrassing the revered institution by still parading himself as king despite a Supreme court judgement, rejection by majority of the people and the selection of a bona fide occupant.
They stated that in the first place he ascended the throne in contravention of the 1970 Calabar-Creek Town Accord and even a 2008 government white paper that was released after a Commission of Inquiry which was why many indigenes have not recognized him.
They alleged that the deposed Obong knew that what he was doing was wrong which was why he never went for the traditional ceremonies of sitting on the Obong Stool or even using the official staff of office.
According to Chief Effiom, “People should ask him why he has not gone to Atakpa to wear the original crown or seat on the stool, why did he have to make a throne for himself? Why did he not enter Eyamba House and take the original staff of office?.
“He knows the spiritual and physical implications of taking that action, and the fact that he has not done these things is the evidence we need to state with confidence that he is not the rightful person to be Obong and he himself in his heart of hearts knows this”
Going down memory lane, the group noted that Etubom Otu in usurping the position, denied Ikoneto which was to take its turn on behalf of Western Calabar.
According to the statement “The Rotation was to be between Western Calabar comprising of Creek Town, Mbiabo and Adiabo and Central Calabar consisting of Duke Town, Henshaw Town, Cobham Town and Old Town (Obutong).
“ Since the rotation started ,the stool has been occupied as follows: David James Henshaw (Henshaw Town, Central), Essien Ekpe Oku (Creek Town, Western), Eyo Ephraim Adam (Duke Town, Central), Otu Ekpenyong Efa (Adiabo-Western), Boco Ene Mkpang Cobham), Cobham, Central), Nta Elijah Henshaw (Henshaw Town, Central).
The statement noted that the deposed Obong claims Adiabo which had already taken its turn through Otu Efa when the Western got its last opportunity.
In addition, to worsen matters, he is allegedly from Okobo and not Efik and his claim to the stool even if true is not from the male stock. His family name is reportedly Isukise, which he has tried to hide over the years.
The Forum stated that the last true occupier of the throne who fulfilled all traditional rites and duly recognized was Otu Ekpeyong Efa and urged that the deposed Obong should allow Calabar return to its glory days by allowing the proper process take place and Ikoneto to take its turn and fulfil all traditional rites.
Furthermore, the security agencies should not be used as tools to harass people who have stood against this desecration and urged them to rather stand by the people and all well-meaning Nigerians by protecting the decision taken on May 22, where four of the 7- member Council as is the practice, formed a conclave and chose Etubom Anthony Ani, the former Minister of Finance as the Obong-elect of Calabar.
Their decision was also communicated to then Governor, Prof Ben Ayade and there may be a breach of peace if Etubom Otu continues to ignore the Supreme Court and the wishes of the people as expressed by the traditional Council.
