Obong of Calabar eulogized over Prevailing Peace in Cross River
Emmanuel Alfred
The Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V has received encomiums for ensuring that peace and unity reigned in Cross River State and beyond.
This was done by Nigerians from all works of life as well as leaders of major tribes residing in the State..
The leaders who in a chat with newsmen at the 11th edition of the Utomo Obong Cultural Homage to the Obong at his country home, Adiabo, in Odukpani Local Government Area of the State, said the Monarch had succeeded in bringing different tribes, race, and ethnic groups together .
A Member of the Efik Traditional Council, Etinyin (Arch) Bassey Ndem said Cross River was witnessing unprecedented goodwill and peace partly due to the disposition of the Obong who ensures he settles any form of ethnic disagreements among not only among the Efiks but also various tribes in the State.
“The Obong has done very well since he ascended the throne. The Utomo Obong is an occasion for all tribes and tongues to come together as one to pay homage to our father, who is the Treaty King. We pray that God will continue to bless him, give him long life and the wisdom to continue to lead our people well,” he enthused.
The President of the Ohaneze Ndigbo in Cross River State, High Chief Felix Odoemene in his remarks paid special tribute to the Obong of Calabar, and prayed that the peace, which the Monarch typifies, should be sustained by all means.
Also speaking, another prominent Igbo son, Sir Chukwemeka Egwuonwu, said, “the Igbos, other tribes and indeed all Cross Riverians are today celebrating the epitome of peace and unity who is the Obong of Calabar.
“The Obong is a man God has used to bring maximum peace in Cross River among various tribes here. He is a man who does not discriminate, and we pray that this peace shall remain as we go into election and even forever,” he stated.
Mrs Adegoke Oyeleye, Vice President of the Yoruba community in Cross River, and who spoke on behalf of her people said the presence of the Yorubas in their number in the event was a demonstration of the high regards they have for the Obong, who she described as a father and man of peace.
Also speaking, Etinyin Sir Steven CocoBassey, the Etubom Ufok CocoBassey described the Monarch as one of the best first class traditional rulers in Nigeria, adding “we have never had it this good. The man typifies humility. He is accommodating and down-to-earth. We are blessed to have him as our Obong at this point of our history as a people.”
In his brief remarks, The Obong of Calabar expressed satisfaction that major tribes in Cross River, for instance, had demonstrated unity by attending the festival despite high cost of transportation and other challenges.
“Your presence today, I mean the attendance of various groups, tribes and people in this event, is an indication that God has started answering my prayers and indeed our prayers for peace and unity, not only in Cross River but also in our country as a whole. I believe that this demonstration of unity and goodwill you have all exhibited will be seen across our country.
“I call on all our people, no matter your tribe and religion, to know that we have no other country except Nigeria. Let’s forget our differences and work for the progress of our country at least for the sake of posterity,” the Monarch stated.
According to our reporter who monitored the event, there were various traditional dances and displays to honour the Monarch as the crowd cheered on and danced.
