THE TUSSLE FOR THE EFIK THRONE: DEFYING SUPREME COURT ORDER, CHAIRMAN TRADITIONAL RULERS COUNCIL FUMES

 

THE TUSSLE FOR THE EFIK THRONE: DEFYING SUPREME COURT ORDER, CHAIRMAN TRADITIONAL RULERS COUNCIL FUMES;

The unfolding dynamics in the contentious crisis rocking the Efik throne is quite intriging, however, the Supreme Court judgements (SC.633/2013 and SC.634/2013) of 13th January 2023 ordered amongst other things, that the Efik constitution of Etuboms traditional rulers council 2002, be used as a guiding document for the reselection exercise for the revered Efik throne.

The said document states categorically that the only qualified and authorised Etuboms to carry out the said reselection exercise are the Etuboms who were at the palace of the Obong of calabar as at 31st March 2008. interestingly, there are only seven (7) of them left alive as at the cut-off-point of exercise of the said supreme court judgements.

Also ordered was that the Etuboms should go back to the drawing board and start the selection on a clean slate, while upholding the principle of equity, Fairness and natural justice. 

HRH. Etubom Essien Ekpenyong Efiok is the chairman, Etuboms Traditional Rulers council and as the custodian of the said office, he is saddled with the responsibility to oversee the said reselection exercise with strict compliance to the standard and principles dictated by the Apex Court. Speaking to the press as one of the surviving seven (7) Etuboms, Chairman and a member of the "Etuboms conclave" as the group is widely called, It is imperative to address the press regarding the issue of the said violation of the Supreme Court judgement (SC.633/2013 and SC.634/2013) of 13th January 2023 by a group of persons who attempted to install Etubom Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu as Obong-elect.

While it is condemnable by every ramification that anyone would violate the Supreme Court order with impunity, such lawlessness should never be condoned and such group of persons should be held accountable for their actions and made to face the full weight of the law. 

Notably, the out-pouring of factual informations, proven and verifiable truths that has been brought to the fore in recent past as against the twisted narratives pushed by some elements who try to truncate a peaceful resolution orchestrated by the Apex court, thanks to the courageous and outspoken Chairman of the Etuboms Traditional Rulers Council, in the person of HRH. Etubom Essien Ekpenyong Efiok who over the years (Sixteen years of legal battle), stood only for the truth and transparency against all odds. A Wiseman once said "posterity will always remember a man who is fearless in the face of adversity" we do agree.

In the viral video seculating online, The Chairman, Etuboms Traditional Rulers council (HRH. Etubom Essien Ekpenyong Efiok) speaking to the press in a post event interview in Calabar, he boldly set the record straight and finally put to rest the clamour for official response over the said violation of the Supreme Court judgement, Also on the  illegal reselection process and proclamation of Etubom Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu as the Obong-elect by illegitimate Etuboms, disregarding and defying the standard, principles and guidelines set by the supreme court in its judgements (SC633/2013 and SC634/2013) of 13th January 2023 he expressed disgust over the dubious attempt by the Etubom Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu led group of Etuboms to forcefully install him (Etubom Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu) as the Obong-elect through the backdoor.

By Chiamaka A. Ezeugo, Abuja based Human right Activist,  Public Analyst, Writer, Freelance Investigative Journalist.