The Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, has sued for peace among communities in Cross River following the uptick of violent clashes that have led to wanton lose of lives and property in some parts of the state.
The Obong made the call in Calabar when the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, HRM Etubom Nyong Efiom Okon paid him a courtesy visit in his palace. He noted that incessant disputes were undermining development in all the warring communities.
The monarch urged the Paramount Ruler to urgently initiate plans for a lasting peace in the embattled Henshaw Town and other communities with one crisis or the other within the council area.
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The Obong charged traditional rulers to put aside their differences and work towards ensuring peace and togetherness, expressing confidence in the ability of HRM Okon to handle the situation in his domain.
He said: “Leadership at all levels requires tolerance, dialogue, and compromise. Traditional institutions must set the example of peace and harmony for the people. If rulers fight among themselves, the community will suffer.
“I hereby charge the Paramount Ruler to call all the factions and aggrieved people together in Henshaw Town Council and Calabar South Traditional Rulers Council and ensure that there is give and take until there is peace.”
He promised to be personally involved in settling such issues if invited, adding “where you find it challenging, do not hesitate to bring me in and I will gladly make myself available. I’m passionate about this.”
The Monarch expressed gladness that HRM Etubom Okon, who he said left the Efik Palace to join forces with certain individuals against the throne, was now Calabar South Paramount Ruler and was finally paying homage to the throne which he once berated.
Speaking earlier, Etubom Okon likened his journey back to the Palace to that of a victorious warrior returning home.
He assured the Obong that he would devote himself to sustaining peace within Calabar South, and that he was ready to play any assigned roles to ensure the Palace of the Obong of Calabar continued to enjoy its place as a foremost and first class traditional throne in the country.
