“It is true that the Paramount Ruler, who was once part of us here left his place in the Palace, on his own accord to join those that were against this palace, and even installed his own Obong. And you know what that means traditionally.
“But today he has decided to come and pay homage to me in this palace rather than any other place. We too have accorded him his due respect as a government functionary and Paramount Ruler of Calabar South. I shall not allow any other matter and misunderstanding, which may have existed to be entertained in this courtesy visit.
“We are happy that this Palace has produced a Paramount Ruler.
“I urge all members of the Calabar South Traditional Rulers Councils to join hands with the Paramount Ruler to ensure peace and harmony so that development could come to Calabar South,” he stated.
Speaking earlier, HRM Etubom Nyong Okon likened his journey back to the Palace to that of a victorious warrior returning home.
“No Efik man had ever been elected as Paramount Ruler of Calabar South but I decided that the narratives must change. Yes! I went to war to change the narratives and I emerged victorious. Now I have decided to return home as a victor, to present myself to my royal father and to my people,” he stated.
HRH Nyong Okon said he was ready and willing to join hands with the Palace to uplift the Efik throne and that he would play any assigned roles that would ensure the Palace of the Obong of Calabar continued to enjoy its place as a foremost and first class traditional throne in the country.
He assured the Obong that he would devote himself to sustaining peace within Calabar South and Henshaw Town, adding, “we have started doing that already even before coming here.I promise to continue maintaining peace in my domain because unity is what strengthens us as a people.”
Analysts say the visit of the Paramount Ruler marked another landmark victory for the Efik throne against forces which attempted to remove Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu from the throne of his fathers.
It will be recalled that in an unprecedented series of legal challenges lasting 16 years, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu was unanimously proclaimed Obong by the Efik king makers, each time the various courts pronounced the need for a re-election exercise.
It is also believed that this step by the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South is a step towards reconciliation and a renewed commitment to stability in Henshaw Town Council in particular and Calabar South Traditional Rulers’ Council in general.
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