Applicants set to withdraw legal proceedings in Obongship tussle 

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

The legal tussle for the position of the obong of Calabar in Cross River State has taken a new dimension as applicants in the case have written to the court seeking to withdraw all legal proceedings.

As a result, the high court sitting in Calabar, presided over by Justice Elias Abua has fixed 4th of march 2025 to review  and consider an application by the applicants seeking to discontinue with legal proceedings. 

The Case in suit number HC/278/2023 is between ETUBOM EPHRAIM ETIM NSA (For himself and representing the traditional council of Ufok Ikot Ani-Mbiabo Ikoneto), Etubom Okon Asuquo and Etubom Micha Archibong (For themselves and representing the Legitimate Etubom’s Traditional Rulers Council, Obong’s Palace) as claimants and applicants.

On the other hand,  Etubom Abasi Otu,  Ntiero Edem Ofiong Efiwat and Edem Ita Esien Ededem (For themselves and representing attendees at the purported Etuboms’ Traditional Council meeting of 18th January 2023), GOVERNMENT OF CROSS RIVER STATE OF NIGERIA and ATTORNEY GENERAL OF CROSS RIVER STATE as defendants.

The claimants are praying to the court to grant them a leave to discontinue proceedings in the suit.

The fresh dispute over the Obong of Calabar Stool is a follow up to the Supreme Court judgment which ordered a fresh selection process. 

The plaintiffs sought the intervention of the high court in determining the rightful Etubom Council to conduct the reselection process.