THE TUSSLE FOR EFIK THRONE

THE TUSSLE FOR EFIK THRONE

As the crises rocking the revered Efik traditional throne takes a new turn, Etubom Ephraim Etim Nsa representing the Traditional Council of Ufok Ikot Ani-Mbiabo Ikoneto and Ikoneto Clan has responded through a press statement to the purported reconciliation agreement of 18th February 2025, initiated by His Exellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and facilitated by His Highness High Chief Prof, Eyo Etim Nyong. Stating that it does not align with the Supreme Court’s decision and the Efik Constitution (Etuboms Council 2002) as such does not represent the position of his people.

RE: REJOINDER TO THE PURPORTED AGREEMENT OF 18TH FEBRUARY 2025 ON THE OBONG OF CALABAR FEUD BY ETUBOM EPHRAIM ETIM NSA REPRESENTING THE TRADITIONAL COUNCIL OF UFOK IKOT ANI-MBIABO IKONETO AND IKONETO CLAN

I, Etubom Ephraim Etim Nsa, represent the traditional council of Ufok Ikot Ani-Mbiabo Ikoneto and the Ikoneto clan of Western Calabar in general. Our mission is to ensure that the selection and proclamation of the Obong of Calabar align with the Supreme Court decision of 13 January 2023 in Case Appeal numbers SC633/2013 -Etubom Anthony A. Ani and Ors v Etubom Ekpo Okon Abasi Out &Ors and SC 634/2013 -Etubom Anthony A.Ani & Ors v Etubom Essien Ekpenyong EfiokJanuary 2023. This decision, a cornerstone of our legal authority, and the Constitution of the Efik (Etubom Council) 2002 hold significant legal authority and must be respected in the Obong selection process.
We are writing to express our concerns about the recent purported reconciliation agreement of 18 February 2025 concerning the traditional throne of the Efik Kingdom. This agreement, initiated by HE Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and facilitated by Chief Prof Eyo Etim Nyong, is a document that we believe does not align with the Supreme Court’s decision and the Efik Constitution. The agreement was reached without all relevant parties’ full participation and consent, and we believe it does not represent a genuine attempt at reconciliation.
As a united Ikoneto people, we stand together in firm rejection of the recent purported reconciliation agreement. Our collective voice, representing the faction of the interested parties in the Obong stool in the Efik kingdom and the rightful claim to the election of Etubom Dr Anthony Ani as the Obong of Calabar on 22 May 2023, has been undermined and neglected in this so-called reconciliatory move. The agreement, which fails to acknowledge the Supreme Court’s decision of 13 January 2025 and the Efik Constitution, is not a genuine attempt at reconciliation but rather a ploy to further the interests of a select few. The agreement is not worth more than the paper it is written on.
The importance of respecting the pronouncement of the Supreme Court’s decision on the subject matter cannot be overstated. Failure to do so could lead to legal repercussions and a breach of the Efik constitution. It is crucial to conduct the process of election of the Obong transparently within the provisions of the governing laws and to respect the proclamation of Etubom Anthony Ani as Obong of Calabar made on 22 May 2023 by four out of the seven remaining Etuboms who are eligible to vote and be voted as prescribed in Article 24 of the Efik Constitution 2002 and upheld by the Supreme Court decision of 13 January 2023.
We unequivocally condemn all forms of intimidation, harassment, and violence against persons who disagree with Etubom Abasi Otu’s illegally acclaimed ascension to the throne of the Efik kingdom and are being forced to accept the position of the purported reconciliation held on 18 February 2025 under duress.
We are resolute in our commitment to take concrete legal actions to uphold the election and proclamation of Etubom Chief (Dr) Anthony Ani as the Obong of Calabar. These actions may include filing a petition in the appropriate court or seeking legal advice from our counsel. We are prepared to do whatever it takes to prevent the desecration of the Efik culture and kingship, a heritage we hold dear. We will not waver in our pursuit of justice and are prepared to do whatever it takes to uphold our cultural and legal standards. The Efik law and customs will guide these legal actions, and we will keep the public informed about the progress and outcomes of these actions.
We stress the need for thorough engagement with representatives of all sons and daughters of the Efik kingdom in recognising the rightful Obong of Calabar Etubom, Dr Anthony Ani. This is part of a holistic approach to immediately settling the feud and ensuring a fair and just resolution. We call for a process that respects the rights and voices of all parties involved, as your participation is crucial in this matter.
Therefore, as interested parties in the Obong of Calabar Stool, we urge the state government to play an unbiased and fair role in recognising Etubom (Dr) Anthony Ani to the Obong Stool. We expect the government to uphold the Supreme Court decision of 13 January 2023 and the Efik Constitution 2002 under the Efik law and customs. This includes rejecting the wrongful claim of Etubom Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu as Obong of Calabar and accepting the election of Etubom (Dr) Anthony Ani as transparent, fair, and duly recognised as the Obong of Calabar. We trust the government will enforce these principles in their choices and actions, and we call for a transparent and fair process that respects the Supreme Court’s decision and the Efik constitution. We also request that the government ensure that the traditional council’s decisions are respected and upheld in the selection process.