.. .after 15yrs of legal battle
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has finally resolve the battle for the throne of Obong of Calabar.
The legal tussle had been on for about 15years before the Supreme Court eventually ended the tussle
The apex court dethroned the obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon and ordered for a re-election.
The judgment made available to newsmen in Calabar immediately after it was delivered on January 13, 2023, states that fresh election will be held in accordance with the 2002 constitution of the Palace, in line with equity and actual justice.
mandate it is under Article 5(a) (ii) (iv) of Exhibit 1/20, to do so.
“And also to conduct another process of selecting a new Obong of Calabar, in accordance with the provisions of Exhibit 1/20 and in strict compliance with the rules of natural justice”.
At the palace of the Obong in his private residence at Adiabo, some of the Etuboms were ushered in for an emergency meeting with a song that “till tomorrow Edidem Ekpo Okon will still win them till tomorrow”
This is the first time in the history of the throne that the apex court will dethrone an Obong.
Meanwhile,the Palace of the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V was on celebratory mode on Friday after hearing the judgement of the Supreme Court which qualifies the incumbent to participate in a fresh nomination process that has been ordered.
Even though the verdict has technically but temporarily sacked the Obong, the Palace is upbeat and confident of his return as the practically said no course for alarm.
Speaking on Friday at the private residence and Palace of the Obong, the Chairman of Etubom traditional council in the Palace, Etubom Bassey Okor Bassey Duke, noted that they are yet to get full brief of the Apex Court verdict but “so far so good and we are confident that Obong of Calabar will remain and peace will continually prevail in the kingdom”.
