By Ene Asuquo
As more efik houses and clans continue to visit the palace of the Obong of calabar in solidarity to Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu v, Ikot Ishie clan as one of the ancestral clans or principalities of the efik Eburutu kingdom took their turn today at the palace of the Obong of calabar to pledge their loyalty to the present occupant of the throne
The spokesperson for Ishie clan, chief ( Dr) Offiong Akpanika in his remarks said Ikot Ishie clan was worried when the case lasted so long at the supreme court, but was thankful to God for the victory he gave to all the peace loving people of the efik Eburutu kingdom as Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu v after 15years of legal battle at the Apex court got the judgement in his favour and was proclaimed the Obong of calabar
In their solidarity address that was read by the secretary of Ishie clan, Barr. Ededet Eyoma, the people of Ishie town pledged their loyalty to the Obong of calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu v and were also committed to the unity and growth of the kingdom. According to him;
“The entire people of Ishie clan are here to record our solidarity and to appreciate the Obong of calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu v as the one we know”.
“The people of Ishie, a very unique clan in your territory will continue to support you to achieve beyond inconceivable dimension”.
They further said, “Despite the obvious distraction, in the last couple of years, your superlative accomplishments are commendable and worthy of note,”
“We reminisce with containment, your emergence, travails eventual victory and subsequent enthronement by God” he stated.
In his remarks, Obong of calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu v thanked the people of Ishie clan for their love, steadfastness and their loyalty to the age long revered throne of their forefathers.
He charged them to be united, stay in peace, then learn to tolerate one another for the growth of the kingdom, adding that there can not be any meaningful development in a chaotic environment
In a separate interview, the member representing calabar Municipality in the cross River State House Of Assembly, Hon. Stanley Nsemo also used the occasion to call on everyone who is in the opposite direction to sheath their sword, accept the outcome of the Apex court judgement
He maintained that the supreme court judgement and the subsequent proclamation of Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu v as the Obong of calabar is the Will of God, for that reason there is nothing anyone can do
The lawmaker stressed that the unity and development of Efiks is paramount, while calling on the aggrieved people to bury their their differences and come together for the unity and the development of Efik kingdom, he maintained.