By Adewale Sanyaolu
Etubom Anthony Ani, a former Minister of Finance during the military regime of General Sani Abacha, has been proclaimed as the new Obong of Calabar. The proclamation was made on May 22, 2023, by four out of the seven surviving Etuboms, who are the original kingmakers of the Efik kingdom. This announcement marks the beginning of preparations for his traditional and church crowning ceremonies.
Proclamation by the Etuboms Council and Conclave:
Etubom Essien Ekpenyong Efiok, Chairman of the Etuboms Council and Conclave, issued a statement confirming the proclamation of Etubom Anthony Ani as the new Obong of Calabar. The selection process involved the participation of key figures such as Etubom Micah Archibong, the Secretary of the council, Etubom Okon Etim Asuquo, the oldest Etubom of the Palace of the Obong of Calabar, and Etubom Nyong Effiom Okon (JP), the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South Local Government Area. Four out of the seven qualified Etuboms were present, and their decision was unanimous.
Significance of the Proclamation:
According to the statement, the proclamation was made in adherence to the responsibilities of the regent and chairman of the surviving Etuboms council of 2008. The proclamation also takes into account a Supreme Court judgment that referred to the 2002 constitution. Etubom Essien Ekpenyong Efiok emphasized that he is the only person authorized to make the proclamation due to his role as chairman and collaboration with other serving Etuboms from 2008. The statement further explained that since the Supreme Court judgment, there had been no Obong on the throne, and it was time to address this situation.
Call for Calm and Collaboration:
The statement urged the community to remain calm and support Etubom Anthony Asuquo Ani, in his role as the Obong of Calabar. The Etuboms council expressed the belief that under the leadership of the new Obong, positive changes would occur, benefiting the Efik people. The statement called for unity and cooperation among the community members, emphasizing that the proclamation was not a parallel action but a response to the Supreme Court decision.
The proclamation of Etubom Anthony Ani as the new Obong of Calabar signifies a significant development in the leadership of the Efik kingdom. With the support and collaboration of the community, the new Obong is expected to bring about positive transformations and make a meaningful impact on the Efik people. The proclamation by the Etuboms council represents the culmination of a thorough selection process and adherence to constitutional guidelines.