by The royal house of Ekpo Edem has on Thursday, August 3, 2023 visited the Obong-elect of Calabar, His Royal Highness, Etubom Anthony Ani in his Calabar residence after he was declared Obong-elect.
The Royal House also presented a gift to the Obong-elect while pledging their total support to him.
While receiving the visitors, the Obong-elect thanked the people of Ekpo Edem for visiting, and pledging total support to him, and also promise to do the best he can to ensure that the heritage of the Efik kingdom is revived.
Obong-elect also stated that the Efik Kingdom will never be backward again, stressing that he remains the rightful Obong of Calabar.
“Never again will the Efik kingdom be seen as backward people.”
“I have always maintained that the process at which the other Obong got to the throne is wrong.”
“I was the only candidate that was screened, but I was shocked how they said Abasi Otu is the Obong of Calabar.”
“I took the Chairman of the Etuboms Traditional Rulers Council, and the Chairman Western Calabar Traditional Rulers Council, and not the Obong of Calabar to court.”
“Like I said I won’t follow them to the old palace. I will build a brand new palace for the office of the Obong of Calabar.”
Ani also promised to complete the Adiabo road.
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of the Etuboms Traditional Rulers Council, Etubom Essien Ekpenyong Efiok reemphasized that there is no other Obong of Calabar other than Ani.
He assured the people of Ekpo Edem that having been the Chairman of the Etuboms Traditional Rulers Council since 2002, he can authoritatively say that Ani is the Obong-elect of Calabar.
Also the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Etubom Nyong Effiom Okon said it is pertinent to state that if out of 7 Etuboms, 4 stands for Ani, then Ani remains the winner of the prolonged battle.
He also pledged his total support to Ani and the Efik kingdom.
Etubom Ayomba who spoke on behalf of the Royal House of Ekpo Edem said they came to rejoice with the Obong-elect, adding that the Efik Kingdom has always waited for this opportunity.
“Efik kingdom has been looking for someone for so long. Different people have been coming out but today we now have a God-sent.”
“We have been in darkness for long. But finally God have not allowed all our prayers to waste.”
Highlights of the event also included cultural dance display by the Ekpo Edem people, presentation of gift to the Obong-elect, amongst others.
