By Our Reporter
The Chairman of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission, Mr. Otu Okor, has come under fire for allegedly impersonating the revered Etuboms’ Council of the Efik Kingdom by adorning a red feather on a white bidak cap, a sacred symbol reserved exclusively for Etuboms.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, Otuekong Offiong Bassey, a defender of Efik culture, described the act as a “grave misstep” that amounts to cultural impersonation.
“The red feather on a white bidak cap is not an accessory for show. It is a trademarked symbol, sacred to the Etuboms of the Obong’s Council. To see the Chairman of the Diaspora Commission wearing it publicly is an affront to tradition,” the statement read.
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Bassey noted that by donning the insignia, Mr. Okor non-verbally positioned himself as an Etubom, a title he does not hold. He urged the palace to call him to order if the act was born of ignorance, or demand answers if it was deliberate.
The cultural advocate warned that such misrepresentations threaten the sanctity of Efik heritage. “Wisdom teaches us that when symbols lose their meaning, a people lose their identity,” he added.
When contacted by our reporter via text message, the CRIDCOM boss forwarded a statement signed by CRIDCOM Media in which the allegation was refuted.
The statement titled, “Response Regarding the Chairman of Cross River State Diaspora Commission and Efik Cultural Practice”, reads in full:
It has come to our attention that a certain “The Theatre God” has raised concern about the dress code of the CRIDCOM, Chairman in the just concluded Calabar Day in London, UK and as a Commission we want to clarify that the Chairman of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission, Prince Otu Okor, did not contravene the relevant traditional laws. As a bonafide son of Efik Kingdom (Paternally Eyen Asibong Ekondo from Obutong in Calabar Municipality and Maternally Eyen Okorobo Oyo Ita, in Akpabuyo, born into both family of tradition cannot go against cultural rules.
His participation and appearance were to engage in cultural exchange as a way of promoting tourism and teaching sons and daughters in the diaspora about Efik culture, norms, and traditional values.
Regarding the feather mentioned by the writer, it was not “NDAM ETINGHE” reserved for Etuboms, rather, it was an “ITAM EKÒT EKPE” feather or if you choose to call it RED NTANKANDA, which symbolized connection and bridging the gap between Efik diaspora brothers and sisters and our tradition. That RED NTANKANDA also signifies NYAMKPE, which I am an initiate.
Wearing a connecting feather was a way of expressing cultural connection and pride, especially in a diaspora setting aiming to connect with heritage.
It appears the writer is attempting to tarnish the image of our Chairman, Prince Otu Okor, and undermine the good works he has accomplished in a short time in office.
All the same, the adornment of our amiable Chairman doeent in any way contracdict traditional values or misrepresented as Etubom. Furthermore, we apologise if there’s any misconception about his outfit.
