The palace of Obong of Calabar has said the selection of the Obong is the exclusive responsibility of the recognised traditional council headed by its chairman, Etubom Essien Ekpenyong Effiok, and that any other person laying claim is illegitimate.
A statement jointly signed by Chairman Etubom Essien Ekpenyong and Secretary Etubom Micah Archibong VI of the traditional council disclosed that the clarification has become imperative due to a recent statement by the governor, Bassey Otu, concerning the traditional stool.
The council said the governor’s recent statement indicates that he has undertaken a judicial review of the State High Court and Supreme Court rulings, as well as the Constitution of the Obong’s Palace and interfaced with royal fathers.
“In refusing the invitation to appear before the qualified Etuboms for screening and possible selection, we had no option than to screen the only other candidate presented to us by the western Calabar Traditional Rulers’ Council – Etubom Dr Anthony Asuquo Ani. We found the said Etubom Anthony Asuquo Ani qualified, and have since selected and proclaimed him as the new Obong of Calabar.
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“In compliance with the law, we notified the state government and sought permission to conduct his coronation and for his recognition by the Cross River State government. It does appear that the governor has rejected our request and has granted explicit recognition to Etubom Ekpo Okon Abasi Out as the Obong of Calabar,” it said.
