Obong of Calabar extols South-South Monarchs for support amidst legal battle

The Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, expressed gratitude to the South-South Monarchs Forum for their unwavering support during a 15-year legal battle against the former finance minister of late Gen Sani Abacha’s regime. The former minister sought to dethrone him through various court cases.

Receiving the South-South Monarchs Forum, led by its Chairman, His Majesty (Dr) Dandeson Douglas Jaja Jeki V, OFR, Jaja of Opobo, in his palace, the Obong praised the Monarchs for their solidarity, emphasizing that the South-South Monarchs had once again demonstrated brotherhood. He reaffirmed his commitment to uniting the people for the prosperity of the Efik kingdom.

“I commend you for this show of solidarity, and I will not take this for granted. We will continue to do our very best to bring all our people together for the good of the Efik kingdom,” said the Obong of Calabar.

The South-South Monarchs Forum urged Efik leaders affected by the throne dispute to reconcile with the Obong in building a stronger Efik kingdom. The Jaja of Opobo expressed gratitude for the resolution of the distraction, commending Governor Senator Bassey Otu for upholding the truth in line with Efik tradition.

“We are here under the umbrella of the South-South Monarchs Forum on a solidarity visit to one of our own, the Obong of Calabar, who has been affirmed as the duly selected Obong of Calabar. We commend the Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, for upholding the truth in line with the tradition of the Efik people,” said the Jaja of Opobo.

He appealed to those who may have been affected to embrace peace, emphasizing the need to come together as one people to build the Efik heritage.

Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers, commended the Etuboms’ Traditional Council for standing firm with Abasi Otuu and adhering to Efik tradition in choosing the Obong of Calabar.

Governor Bassey Otu officially affirmed Edidem Abasi-Otu V as the Obong of Calabar, bringing the legal dispute to a close in line with the Supreme Court judgment of January 2023.