CALABAR — PEACE has returned to the Efik Kingdom following the unification of the two factions (Western and Central Calabar), which emerged when the Obong of Calabar was crowned in August 1999. The gulf in the Kingdom’s oneness was created when Central Calabar produced the Obong, when in fact it was the turn of Western Calabar to present the next Obong based on the rotation agreed in the 1970s by the two groups.
A procession by the Western Calabar Chiefs (Etuboms) from Creek Town, Ikoneto Adiabo and others towns symbolizing the return to the fold commenced from Calabar Road, Saturday, and they marched to the palace of the Obong, Ndidem Nta Elijah - Hensaw situated along Egerton Street in Calabar.
Already at the palace to receive their former feuding Etuboms, were the Obong and a large crowd of women, men and youths, dressed in colourful Efik ceremonial attire singing the praises of the Obong and their re-uniting kinsmen.
Significantly, the ekpe (lion) masquerades from both groups exchanged pleasantries by embracing, with their rafia costumes, displaying a symbolic acceptance of friendship between the two former rivals who had decided to sheathe their swords.
In his statement on the reunification, the Obong said, “It would be recalled that during the wee hours of this morning, we visited our Kingship shrine, “Efe Asabo” in support and confirmation of the ascension of Hensaw VI on Efik throne. We appeased our gods and renewed that old Efik spirit with which our ancestors ruled the Calabar realm. And it covered the entire present Akwa Ibom State, parts of Abia and Imo State, Biase, Akamkpa, Ugep Eburutu to Ikom and Western Cameroon, including the offshore island of Fernando Po (now Equatorial Guinea).
"It has become pertinent that we confirm to the general public that our Kingship shrine “Efe Asabo” is part and parcel of the palace of the Obong of Calabar and therefore, the property of all Efiks and not any one person, family or house or principality.”
Six Etuboms and representative of others who could not attend due to health reasons, danced into the palace.
Also, the president of Efik Eburutu Consultative Assembly Etubom Archibong Edem Ironbar said in his speech that “disagreements and conflicts are as old as history and are, therefore part of human relations but what is intriguing today in global relations is the alarming rate at which conflicts seem to defy solutions. Today the Efiks are to re-enact the fact that they are the custodians of peace in our society, that they are the torchbearers of the civilization of our geographic sub-region.
