Obong of Calabar preaches peace, unity amongst Igbo, Hausa Communities 

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

The treaty king, grand patriarch of the Efik kingdom, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu v, has called on Efiks and Nigerians at large to be united so that the kingdom and the Nation can archive meaningful development 

The monarch who was full of appreciation to the people of Efik kingdom, Igbos and the Hausa Communities who came out in their numbers to pay him homage in this year’s Utomo Obong 2025.

He used the occasion to preach peace amongst Nigerians, maintaining that there can not be any meaningful development where there is no peace 

The event which had an estimated population of over ten thousand people drawn across all tribes and even foreigners who went to the country home of the Obong of Calabar in Adiabo, western Calabar to catch some fun with the display of different masquerades at the occasion.

The twelve ancestral clans of the Efik kingdom turned out with their different displays with several gifts items to honour their king. 

The 2025 edition marked the 14th edition of Utomo Obong which is in cross river state tourism calendar 

In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong called on the people of the kingdom to continue working together and in peace so that the kingdom will grow higher and bigger and stronger than what it is today 

He said the work of building the Efik kingdom is a collective efforts that needs the cooperation of all the sons and daughters of the kingdom both at home and in the Diaspora 

“We must come together as one, put our resources together and work in peace as a family for the growth of our kingdom, and protect the stool”, he Stated.