UsOR

EOIDIANA

Souwenü Pogmamme of
The Coronation Service of
EKPENYONG-EFFA IX
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS EDIDEM OTU
Obongof Calabar, Paramount Ruler of Efiks
Held at The
Duke Town Presbyterian Church, Eyamba Street,
1987.
Calabar, on the 21st of November,
Mr. W. J. Cobham
Very Rev. M.0. Ogarekpe Organist
Moderator
 URU
UFORO
EDIDIN

SOUVENIR PROGRAMME OF THE CORONATION

SERVICE OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS

Edidem Otu Ekpenyong-Effa IX

OBONG OF CALABAR
R
 BURU
DDIANA

HIS ROYAL HIGUNESs EDIDEM OTU EKPENYONG EFFA IX

After the "Uyara Ntinya"" at Ffe Asabo
on 22nd May, 1987
 OURI

EDA

RECESsSION
ORDER OF PROCESSION AND

1. Standard Bearers

2. The Secretaries

3. Representatives of Efik Royal Houses

4. Obong's Children

5. His Royal Highness

6. Members of Etuboms Traditional Council

7. Chiefs of the Obong's Council

8. Members of Coronation Service Planning Committee

9. Representatives of Efik Houses

10. Esop Ndito Efik, Lagos

11. Women's Groups

12. Men's Groups

13. Cultural Societies

ROUTE OF PROCESSION
The Palace Effanga Ansa Street - Egerton Street, - Calabar
Road Garden Street- Eton Street - Eyamba Street - Duke
Town Presbyterian Church- Eyamba Street- Offiong Street
Eyo Edem Street- Egerton Street - Effanga Ansa Street- The
Patace.
 URUR
COtDIANA
A EDA

CORONA TION SERVICE

OF
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESs

EDIDEM OTU EKPENYONG-EFFA IX

ARRIVAL OF GUESTS

9.30 a.m. Invited Guests take their seats

9.35 a.m. Members of Cross River State Executive Council,

Service Chiefs, The Chief Judge and others take their
seats.

9.40 a.m. -
The Military Governor arrives

9.45 a.m. His Royal Highness and entourage are led into the church
in procession of Bishops, Clergy, Elders and Choirs
 DDIADBA
ED

TABLE OF EVENTS
MONDAY: 16TH NOVEMBER, 1987:

7 A.M. 12 NOON ASE

4 P.M. Traditional Plays/Dances- Nka
2 P.M.
Ekpenyong Nnuk.
4 P.M. - 6 P.M. IBO

TUESDAY: 17TH NOVEMBER, 1987:

7 A.M. 12 NOON ASE

2 P.M. 4 P.M. Traditional Plays/Dances- Nka
Nkaisó
4 P.M. 6 P.M. - Western Calabar/Akpabuyo

WEDNESDAY: 18TH NOVEMBER, 1987:

9A.M. - 12 N0ON - Traditional Plays/Dances
Henshaw Town Primary School; St.
Mary's Efut Abua.
Kadana Prep. Sch.
NTA Children's Play Group
2 P.M. - 5 P.M. Cultural Organisations

THURSDAY: 19TH NOVEMBER, 1987:

Ekpe Display (Nyoro) At the Palace
Ground.
FRIDAY: 20TH NOVEMBER. 1987:
7 A.M. - 12 NOON ASE
10 A.M. Conferment of Chieftaincy Titles
7 P.M. Private Dinner
9 P.M. Gala Night

SATURDAY: 21ST NOVEMBER, 1987:

10 A.M. Coronation Service At Duke Town
Presbyterian Church.
2 P.M. Luncheon in the Palace
8 P.M. State Banquet (Paradise City Hotel)
SPECTAL GUESTS ONL Y.

Chief Ekpo E. Archibong

Secretary
Planning Committee
 RU
UFORO
DIANA E
CORONATION SERVICE OF THE OBONG OF CALABAR

ORDER OF SER VICE

APPROACH

1. Processional Hymn Ancdent & Modern 283 Choir&Cergy

2. Introt Congregation

3. Callto Worship Rev. Dr. E. B. Udoh

4. Hymn A & M. 222 Rev. Dr. E. B. Udoh

5. Prayer: Adoration, Confession...Rev. Dr. E. M. Uka

6. Psalm 20 .Duke Town Church Choir

7. Special Anthem .. Wesley Cathedral Church Choir

THE WORD:
Bible Lessons (a) Old Testament: 1Samuel 16:1- 13 Ven. Arch. J. E. Nya

b) Epistle: - Philipians 2 : 1 - 1 1 - Rev. E. A. Ossom

9. Hymn: R.C.H. 633-(Verses 1,2,3,& 4)..Congregation

10. Bible Lesson (c) Gospel Matthew 3:13-17 Rev. Canon W. G. Ekprikpo

11. Hymn: Eik 308 M.H.B. 332 ..Congregation

12. Sermon: Very Rev. M. O. Ogarekpe, Moderator Duke Town Parish

13. Ascription Very Rev. M. O. Ogarekpe, Moderator Duke Town Parish

THE RESPONSE:
14. The Apostles' Creed Congregatio

15. Prayer of Thanksgiving & Intercessioa The Most Rev. (Dr) B. D. Usanga

16. The Lord's Prayer Congregatlon

7
 UFORO
ODUUAA
THE CROWNING:

The crown is delivered by Etubom Offiong E. Ita

who hands it over to Pastor E. E. Okon, National President of

the Apostolic Church Mission.

) Secretary, Etuboms Traditional Council (Chief Edward E. Nyong)

delivers scroll to the Very Rev. M.0. Ogarekpe, Moderator,
Duke Town Presbyterian Church.

Gii) His Royal Highness repeats the Christian Oath and signs it.

iv) WITNESSES TO THE OATH:

a) Moderator, Duke Town Presbyterian Church (Very Rev. M. O. Ogarekpe)

6) Representative of Gorernment (Mr. Okon E. Eyo, Secretary to

the Military Government and Head of Service)

(c) Chairman, Etuboms Traditional Council (Etubom Offiong E. Ita)

d) Secretary, Etuboms Traditional Council (Chief Edward E.

Nyong)
(e) Chairman, Coronation Service Planning Committee

(Etubom C E. Boco)

( PASTORE. E. OKON PLACES THE CROWN ON THE HEAD OF HIS ROYAL

HIGHNFSS, ASSISTED BY BISHOPS AND CLERGY.

17. Prayer The Rt. Rev. S. O. Elenwo

18. Special Anthem ...

Holy Trinity (Anglican Church Choir)

19. Offertory ... Duke Town Church Choir

20. Dedication of Offerings ...

Very Rev. E. A. Onuk
21. Announcements... Secretary Obong's Council

22. Doxology R.C.H. 146 A&M 224. Congregation

23. Benediction Rt. Rev. Dr. J. U.
...

Ukaegbu
24. Recessional Hymn R.C.H. 571; A &
M 631-Cholr & Clergy
25. His Royal
Highnes is escorted to the Palace.

8
 BURU
UFORO
A &M 283
CONOIANA A &M 222
1 SING Alleluia forth in duteous praise,
Ye citizens of heaven: O sweetly raise COME, ye faithful, raise the anthem,
An endless Alleluia Cleave the skies with shouts of praise,
Sing to him who found the ransom,
2 Ye powers who stand before the eternal Light, Ancient ofetemal Days,
In hymning choirs re-echo to the height God of God, the Word incarnate,
An endless Alleluia When the heaven of heaven obeys.

3 The holy city shall take up your strain, Ere he raised the lofty mountains,
And with glad songs resounding wake again Formed the seas, or built the sky,
An endless Alleluia Love eternal, free, and boundless,
Moved the Lord of Life to die,
For ordained the Prince of Princes
Inblissul antiphons ye thus rejoice For the throne of Calvary
To render to the Lord with thankful voice,
An endless Alleluia.
There, for us and our redemption,
Ye who have gained at length your psalms in bliss, See him all his life-blo od pour!
Victorious ones, your chant shall still be this: Therehe wins our full salvation,
An endless Alleluia Dies that we may die no more;
Then, arising, lives for ever,
6 There, in one grand acclaim, for ever ring Reigning where he was before.
The strains which tell the honour of your King:
High on yon celestial mountains
An endless Alleluia 4
Stands his sapphire throne, all biight
This is sweet rest for weary ones brought back, Midst unending Alleluias
This is glad food and drink which ne'er shall lack; Bursting from the sons of Light,
An endless Alleluia Zion's people tell his praise,
Victor after hard-won fight
8 While Thee, by whom were all things, made, we praise,
For ever, and tell out in sweetest lays 5 Bring your harps, and bring your incense,
An endless Alleluia Sweep the string and pour the lay
Let the earth proclaim his wonders,
9 Almighty Christ, to Fhee our voices sing King of that celestial day;
Glory for evermore; to thee we bring He the Lamb once slain is worthy,
An endless Alleluia Who was dead, and ives for aye.

6 Laud and honour to the Father,

Laud and honour to the Son,
Laud and honour to the Spirit,
Ever Three and ever One,
Consubstantial, co-etemal,
While unending ages run.

PSALM 20
THE Lord hear thee in the day of trouble: the Name of the
God of Jacob defend thee;

2 Send thee help from the saneruary: and strengthen 1. Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses:
but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God
thee out of Zion;

3 Remember all thy offerings: and accept thy burmt. 8. They are brought down and fallen: but we are

sacrifice; risen and stand upright

O king of Heaven: when we call

4. Grant thee thy heart's desire: and fulfil all thy mind 9 Save Lord and her us

upon Thee
5. We will rejoice in thy salvation and triumph in the Glory be to the Father and to the Son;
Name of the Lord our God: the Lord perform all thy and to the Holy Ghost
petitions
As it wasln the beginning is now
6. Now know I that the Lord helpeth his Anointed and will and Ever shall be; world without
hear hin from his holy heaven: even with the wholesome End. AmeD
strength of his right hand
 URU
EOrDAANA
EDIUFO

R.C.H 633 A&M 581

GOD BLESs oUR LAND

Lord, while for all mankind we pray,

Of every clhime and coast,
O hear us for our native land,
The land we love the most

2 Our fathers' sepulchres are here,

And here our kindred dwell,
Our children too;how should we love
Another land so wel1?

3 O guard our shores from every foe;

With peace our borders bless;
With prosperous times out cities crown,
Our fields with plenteousness

Unite us in the sacred love

Of knowledge, truth, and Thee,
And let our hills and valleys shout
The songs of liberty

Lord of the nations, Thus to Thee,

Our country we commend;
Be Thou her refuge and her trust
Her everlasting Friend

M.HB. 332
EFIK HYMN 308

BEHOLD! a stranger at the door

He gently knocks, has knocked before: Sese! Esen ada k'usun!
Has waited long, is waiting still Oyom ye afo ndidung;
You treat no other friend so ill Atuak, onyung ebet fi do,
Ete, ufan, kusin Imo!
But will He prove a friend indeed
He will; the very Friend you need: Ka, sio usun, koro owo
The Man of Nazareth, 'tis He. Mikwe oruk ufan oro;
With garments dyed at Calvary Esit adat owo emi
Ufan emi etienede
Admit Him, for the human breast
Ne'er entertained so kind Se!
No mortal tongue their
a
guest: Enye anyanyan ubok,
joys can tell Edinyana fi ke idiok
With whom He condescen ds to dwell Kere ata akwa ima
Jesus adad/ama mm'asua
Sovereign of sous! Thou Prince of Peace
O may Thy gentle seign
increase
Throw wide the doo each
Obong ukpon, Obongemem,
willing mind; Nam mm'asua Fo esuk
And be His
empire all mankind Enyime Fi akara mmo -ldem,
Akar idut akpaimo

10
 BURU
EDrDMAMA
A EDA

R.C.H. 136 A &M 224

CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS

CROWN Him with many crowns,

The Lamb upon His throne:
Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns
All music but its own:
Awake, my soul, and sing
of Him who died for thee,
And hail him as thy matchless King
Through all eternity

2. Crown Him the Lord of life,

Who triumphed o'er the grave,
And rose victorious in the strife,
For those He came to save.
His glories now we sing
Who died and rose on high,
Who died eternal life to bring.
And lives that death may die.

3. Crown Him the Lord of peace,

Whose power a sceptre sways
From pole to pole, that wars may cease,
Absorbed in prayer and praise.
His reign shall know no end,
And round His pierced feet
Fair.flowers of paradise extend
Their fragrance ever sweet.

Crown Him the Lord of Love;

Behold His hands and side,
Rich wounds yet visible above,
In beauty glorified.
And hail, Redeemer, hail!
For Thou has died for me:
Thy praise shall never, never fail
Throughout eternity.

A &M 243

1. CHRIST is our Cornerstone, 3. Here, gracious, God, do thou

On Him alone we build; For evermore draw nigh;
With his true saints alone Accept each faithful vow,
The courts of heaven are filled; And mark each suppliant sigh;
On his great love In copious shower
Our hopes we place On all who pray
Of present grace Each holy day
And joys above. Thy blessings pour
with hymns of praise
4. Here may we gain from heaven
2. Othen
These hallowed courts shall ring8 The grace which we implore;
Our voices we will raise And may that grace, once given,
The Three in One to sing Be with us evermore,
Until that day
And thus proclaim
When all the blest
In joyful song,
To endless rest
Both luud and long,
Are called away
That glorious name.

11
 EDDAMA
DUFO

R.C.H. 571 A & M 631

The God of Abrahanm praise,

Who reigns enthroned above,
Ancient of everlasting days,
And God of love,
Jehovah, Great 1 AM!
By earth and heaven confessed,
I bow, and bless TheSacred Name
For ever blest.

The God of Abraham praise,

At whose supreme command
From carth arise, and seck the joys
At His right hand.
All on carth forsake
Its wisdom, fame, and power
And Him my only portion make,
My shield and tower

3 He by limsclf hath sworn,

T on llis oath depend
I shall, on eagle's wings unborne,
To heaven ascend:
I shall behold his face,
I shall His power adore,
And sing the wonders of His grace
For evermore.

4 There dwells the Lord our King,

The Lord our Righteousn ess:
Triumphant o'er the world and sin,
The Prince of Peace;
On Zion's sacred height,
Hs ngdom He maintains,
And glorious with His saints in light
For ever reigns

The whole triumphant host,

Give thanks to God on high;
Hail, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!"
They ever cry
Hail, Abraham's God and mine!
ljoin the heavenly lays,
All might and majesty are Thine,
And endless praise

12
 BURU
)ED DAMN
EDA

THE CHRISTIAN OATH

1, EDIDEM OTU EKPENYONG-EFFA IX,

Grace of God Grand Patriarch by the
of Efik Eburutu,
Obong of Calabar, do
hereby solemnly swear by the
Almighty God and in the presence of His Chosen
Servants
That I shall remain
loyal to the lawful
Government of this Country;
II. That I shall
uphold the Constitution
the Etuboms' Traditional of
Council;
III. That I shall counsel my
peoples in the
fear of God and protect all strangers
within my domain;

IV. That I shall do all that lies within

my
power to maintain law and order;

V.
V. That I shall uphold and defend the
Traditions of my Sacred Office
doing only those things that are just
and reasonable and abstaining from all
such things as will be repugnant to
natural justice and good conscience;

VI. That I shall endeavour at all times to

promote the welfare of my peoples
and to defend the cause of Christianity
throughOut my domain.
So help me, God!

13
 URUR
DDANA ED

EKPENYONG EF FA IX
oTU
H.R.H. EDIDEM
A PROFILE OF
OBONG OF CALABAR

PROCLAMATION announcement of the

traditional
witnessed the
Monday, 30th of March, 1987, of Calabar, and by
Ephraim Adam III, Obong
demise of H.R.H. Edidem Bassey Eyo
proclamation was made in respect of his successor:
the same tradition, the following the
Council bas great pleasure proclaim
to
"The Etuboms Traditional Head of
Ekpenyong Efa,
accession of Etubom Otu Ekpenyong Hogan
as Obong of
Calabar folo wing
Adiabo Akami Obio of Western Calabar,
Adam lll
the death of Edidem Bassey Eyo Ephraim
The New Obong will be known and
addressed as His Royal Higbness,
Edidem Otu Ekpenyong Effa IX.
will be per-
The traditional crownimg ceremony "Uyara Ntinya"
formed with customary rites o n a date to be announced
The date of the coronation of the new Obong at a religious ceremony
wbich wil be at the Duke Town Presbyterian Church,
Calabar,
performed "
wll aso be announced later. .
Thus it was, that in their characteristic flair for innovation the Efiks broke with the
ancient tradition of primogenitorship to select the youngest Ef+k King in recent Efik

history.
Having suffered the trauma of losing three good kings within a brief period of thir-
teen years from 1973 to 1986, they decided to 'go modern' by making this selection
which turned out to be a very popular one.
And so, Otu Ekpenyong Hogan Ekpenyong Effa IX put aside his legal wig and gown
to put on the mantle of Efik Kingship.

BIRTH
Our King was born on the 24th January, 1924, to Chief
Ukpong Hogan Otu Ekpe
nyong Effa and was given the genealogical names of OTU UKPONG OKON OTU OKON
EKPENYONG EFFA OTU MESEMBE UKPONG UKPONG ATAI IBOKU.
His mother, Mrs Mary Ekpo Hogan Ekpenyong was the daughter of Princess Ena
Otu Asido and grad-daughter of PrincesS Anqua Ekpenyong Effa who was herself
the daughter of Great King John Effa I of Barbot's record of
1698, and a descendant
of Edidem Eyo Ema Atai Ema Atai Iboku. His paternal
grandmother was princess
Ansa Ekpe of Ekpe Oku House of Oku Atai Ema Atai Iboku
royal lineage of Mbarakom
(AMBO) at Creek Town.
Edidem Effa IX is therefore of Atai dynasty
Oku Atai and Ukpong Atai, all of whom were
comprising Adim Atai, Ema Atai,
in the 10th century was Efik ruler in
off-springs of Edidem Atai lboku
who
lvom, Aro-chukwu These maximal
later produced Eyo Ema, Efiom
Ekpo, Ekpe Oku, Avasi, Oku, lineages
Eton Ani, offiong Ani, Otu Mesembe and
Esien
Asibong Akabom,
Ndem, etc, as founders
of Old Calabar empire of the 15th
century. generation
His Royal Highness tlherefore solidly descends both
Otu Mesenmbe Ukpong paternally and maternally from
Ukpong Atai lboku dynasty of Modern Old
Clan which has produced eight clanal Calabar from Adiabo
kings from 1400 when Edidem
agnate comtemporaries alseady named here, foundeu Eyo Ema and his
the said Modern
Fernando Po found when he visited the area in 1472.
Old Calabar that

14
 E6URU
EDiDIANA
His line of kingship in Adiabo
descends from the following Effas:-
Great King John EffaI
Mentioned by Barbot in 1698. His Great
great great grand father called Eispenyong
Effa Otu Mesembe Ukpong Ukpong Atai
Tboku
King Effa lII His great great great Uncle called Effa
Effa Otu Mesembe
Great King John Effa III Mentioned in Antera Duke's Diary on
31/8/1787 and called Okon Ekpenyong
Effa Otu Mesembe.
Great King Egbo Effa IV
His great great grand Uncle called Ekpe
Effa Otu Mesembe
Great King Effa V lis great grand fatlher called Okon Otu
Ekpenyong Effa Otu Mesembe
King Egbo Effa VI His great grand Uncle called Effa Ekpe
Effa Effa Otu Mesembe
King Effa VII His grand fatlher Hogan Otu Ekpenyongs
Effa Otu Mesembe
King Effa VIII His grand Uncle called Ekpe Effa Ekpe
Effa Effa Otu Mesembe
Edidem Otu Ekpenyong Effa IX Our King

EDUCATION AND WORK

The young Otu had his early education at the Christ Church School, Calabar and in
1941, at the early age of 17, he joined the Royal West African Frontier Force
(RWAFF) during the Second World War He was demobilized in 1946, a year after
the War and in 1947, he took up appointment with the United Africa Company in
Port Harcourt as an Accounts Clerk. In 1948, ie resigned and joined the Medical
Department as a para-medical staff and this period also afforded him an opportunity
for self education. In 1959, he resigned from lhospital services, and, follo wing the
example of many young men of his day, procceded to the United Kingdom in seatch
of the popular 'golden fleece'. First, he entered the City of Westminster College where
he matriculated He then entered the Holborn College of Laws, London, as an External
student of London University where he graduated as Bachelor of Laws of that Univer
sity. He also enrolled as a student of the Honourable Society of Gray's Inn, one of the
four Inns of Court in London.
He was still in London at the time of the Nigerian crisis and demonstrated his
patriotism by founding the *Old Calabar Peoples Convention" in order to oppose
secession. He was also the first Chairman of this body and spearheaded massive support
for ONE NIGERIA, an activity which dii not go u-noticed for the then Head of
Dodan Barracks on the
State, General Yakubu Gowon granted him an audience at
21st of August, 1967, and encouraged him to continue with the task of helping to
educate people on the crisis. On his return to London he clunged the name of the
Convention" to "South Eastern State Com-
organisation from Old Calabar Peoples'
munity of Great Britain and Ireland'
After the civl War, he returned to Nigeria in 197l and enrolled at the Nigerian
Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1972.

15
 BURU

EOrDIANA
SOLICITOR AND ADVOCATE and Giwa, Solicitors
ol A t u a c l e
the firm
under
in Lagos Voteniski Group
Edidem Effa practised he joined the
Street. In
mid l973,
at 11 Martin Chief Solicitor.
as Deputy
and Advocates based Avenue, Jos
at 5, Naraguta OTU EKPE.
Head office his o w n practice
as
of Companies with and set up
Calabar
returned to A D V O C A T E S of the Supreme
In June 1975, he SOLICITORS
AND
COMPANY, CHAMBERS, was located at
NYONG EFFA AND called NDISI
Chambers, popularly
Court of Nigeria His Public
He is also a Notary
7. Efut Street, Calabar.

PUBLIC OFFICE service to his country

for in
his practice to give direct
Edidem Effa made time in in Calabar Zone on a part-
Chairman of the
Rent Tribunal
1980, he was appointed time Chairman.
officiate as full
an offer to
time basis. He later declined the Cross River State Advisory Coun
Chairman of
he was appointed dissolution of the Council
In April 1984, until the
and held this post
cil on the Prerogative of Mercy
in January, 1987
by the Military Governor,

TRADITIONAL OFFICES

OBONG EBONKO
into the Dispute over
the Otongship of Calabar,
In Hart's Report of the Enquiry the
traditional Socicty in Efikland,
Ihad this to say of the highest
Commissio ner
the
Ekpe: lost its political
modern times Ekpe as a secret Society has
Although in
the Efiks by force of habit still
insist that to be a n Obong.
power as such, for as has been
of the important Ekpe titles,
one has to hold at least one
the membership of
stated, Ekpe is now turned an honourable society,
which is the hallmark of traditional dignity."

It is therefore not surprising that at the comparatively tender age of twenty-five,

of OBONG
Eaidem Otu Ekpenyong Effa IX acquired thie traditional Ekpe title
EBONKO EFE EKPE EFIK IBOKU" IN O0TU MESEMBE EKPE LODGE OF ADIABO,
a titk, second only to the supreme grade of IYAMBA. It cannot however be said that
thirty-eight years ago when he acquired the title, he had then aspired to Kingship
when, as witlh the present time, there were many venerable heads that qualified for the
stool. Rather, being borm into an ancient family with a long history of tradition, it
was natural for him to be fascinated by the Ekpe confraternity to the point of being
motivated to acquire custodianship of the Obong Ebonko title.

ETUBOMSHIP
On the 26th of August, 1978, Edidem Effa was selected and installed Etubom ot
Akani Obio Adiabo by the king-makers of the ruling house of this ancient Efik Can
in Western Calabar and was in conformity with Efik tradition presented at the Court
of H.R.H. Eoidem Esien Ekpe Oku V.
Thereafter, he took his seat in the Etuboms
Traditional Counci, the highest traditional Council in Efikland. He was awarded a
certificate of recognition by the Cross River State
Government.
 etth
BURU
UFORO
DIANA
KINGSHIP
For nine years he creditably held this office until, in accordance with Efik custom
and tradition, and blessed by the Holy Will of God, he was sclected Obong Elect by the
Efiks of Westem Calabar comprising Creek Town, Adiabo, Ikoneto and Ovom Itat
and presented to the Etuboms Traditional Council which confirmed the selection.
Thus it was that the cool, showery morning of the 22nd of May, 1987, witnessed
the fulfilment of the first part of the Etuboms Traditional Council's procamation in
theUYARA NTINYA ceremony. It was a day of pomp and pageantry when the colours
WHITE standing for purity and RED (Efik Royalty) dominated the entire spectrum
of the traditional activities attendant upon an Efik coronation.
Today, six months after, we are again witnesses to tlie second part of the Etuivoms
Traditional Council's proclamation namely: The Church Coronation.
Some people have tended to regard this eeremony as an unnecessary exercise and a

symbol of continued servitude to Britain. But it is also casily forgotten that right rom
the onset, Efnk Kings never regarded the Christian Oath as a sign of allegiance to the
Qucen ot England but as a solemn promise made in the PRESENCE OF GOD IN A

CHURCH with the Qucen's representatives and Priests of the Church as witnesses,
to uphold human rights. Today, nearly 110 years later, that promise will once again
be made. Whether the Bible and the European Crown will in future continue to feature
in Efik coronations, remains for posterity to decide, but for now, this is one of the

have and this is one of the things we shall hod. It is one of the customns
things that we

which sonme of our neighbours have even emulated.

CONCLUSION
Christian Oath
Edidem Otu Ekpenyong Effa IX has taken two solemn oaths, the
the sacred sl1rine of his ancestors.
in a Church of God and the Traditional Oath in
Both Oaths enjoin him to do the same thing RULE WITH JUSTICE
-

Ever since he assumed office, his palace has been a beelhive of activities for he
various Cultural and other organizations in Calabar for
lost no time in mo bilizing the
the purpose of bringing about tl.e nmuch neeied beneficial changes. He also lost no
of his people or in acting boklly o n
time in identifying himself with the aspirations
issues of national importance.
of his accession to the throne should also mark a turning
It is significant tliat the year
for, after 40 years since the end of the Second Workd
point in the history of the tribe,
from the wiklerness of inactivity and resig nation,
War in 1945, tiey are now moving
lost tlhe spark a l detenmination that inspired their
from a period wlhen they had
a period of renaissance when, through
the Mercy of the
fatiers to do great things, to
Government, they have at last been
the Federal Military
Almighty and foresight of
selfde
of termination.
granted the much sought privilege
children, three boys and five girls As a father, a soklier
Edidem Effa has eiglht
a solicitor of the Suprenme
one time para-medical man,
of the Second World War, a
of Nigeria, a true patriot, Christian and Traditional
a
Court of the Federal Repuvlic of his duties
is no doubt that in the performance
Head of an ancient people, there into full pay
each of the above functions will come
the qualities possessed by him in
and that he will be a successful
and just ruler.
Highness Edidem
Lony Live His Royal
Otu Ekpenyong Effa IX,
Ovong of Caabar and
Paramount Ruler of the Efiks.
Long ive tie Cross River State
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Long Live the

17
 RUT
CDDIAMA

ASE EDIDEM OTU EKPENYONG- EFFA IX

OTU EKPENYONG EFFA UFAN AYO

AKPAN ETE EKA-ETE YE NNENE,
AKPAN EYENEKA ASIDO UMAN ENA,
ORUK YE IMAN ESIE EKOT ENYE TETE

2. EYENUKPONGOKON OTU NDISI,

ETE IMO NDISI EYEN UKPON OKON OTU NTE ETE
EYEN UKPONG OKON ASUQUO,
UFAN EYEN NYONG EKPENYONG,
ETE OWOEYE, OWO AMA,
EFIK NKOM EMA OWO ASIAN

EYEN OKON OFIOM ETEN NTE EKPIN

EDET KE INUA EBIET MBA-MBA,
ADAHA ISAN EBIET ENENEK.
OBIONORE ENYE ATUAK INUA IMAM,
EKOM INUA ANYANYANA YE AFO.

ETINYIN NYON OKOT ENYE ABIRI,

NYANGA-NYANGA BQNTE
EDIM AKANSANG EFANGA-MFA,
EYENEKA AKA ND0, OTU MONSE

5. UBAK OWO EKOT ENYE OTU EBAK,

EKA OTU EKEDI OFIOK NKPO ANWAN,
ENYE AMA ONWONO ETE EYEN IMO OYOFIOK NWED,
ANAM EYEN AMA AKA NWED KE USUK-USsUK.

6. EBAK AMA EKPEP NWED OFIOK NWED.

ADA IWAT YE OBUBIT EWURA OsIM EFIK,
ETE AMA EDI EDIKPE IKPE IYANAM TUTU,
NKPO IDUHE NDIBIONO IMO KE USUN NDOMO KIET.

7. OFIOK IDO EFIK NDA NAM ASIAN,

UNEK, ENYE NKOM ENEK NTEM NTE EWE,
IKWO, KE INUA OKWO NTEM NTE INIM
EDIMIA EKOMO EDI EMI MBIET IDUHEB

TONO NTE EFIK EKEBIERE ETE IDIANA OTOKIET

ETINYIN EFANGA EKEN ITA EDI OTONO NTAK IMAN,
UDIANA EDI EDIDEM EDEM ESIEN EKPE OKU KE MBARAKOM,
OYOHO ITA EDI EDIDEM BASSEY EYO EPHRAIM ADAM EYEN ATAKPA IKOT
EFIOM,
MME MM'ORO EKETONO EDIDIANA EBEKPO EBURUTU.

9. EKOT EFIK EBURUTU NDITO ATAI IBOM ENO,

ATAI IBOM ENO OBON MMOUWAK
EKESE,
TONO KE EDERE TUTU OSIM USUK,
EDIDEM ENYON ONO UYO ETE IDIANA OTO KIET.

10 IBOKU ESIT EDIK, IBOKU IBUOT UTAN

MMODUN MBUOT AKPA ESANA EDI OKWOK KWOK
EDISE SE OBOT ANAMDE ONO EFIK
ETE YAK NSEK IYIP ODORO KE
EBEKPO.

18
 URU
DIDIANA
A EDA

11. ESIEN ITIABA KE

EFIK EDI,
KPUKPRU MMO EDI IDIBI YE EKOP
AKPANWANA NDIBAHARE MMO UKEMEKE
KORO SE ABASI IBOM
AMAKANANAM BDI OSONO.
12. EFIK EBURUTU
MOTONO NTAK NKPO,.
AKPA IFIOK MBAKARA
EKEBEHE KE ESUK NNYIN,
IFIOK ORO ODORO EFÍK NTEM NTE
ANYANA,
ASUANA TUTU OSIM IDUT NSAN-NSAN.

13. OTUEKPENYONG EFFA UFAN AYO,

ENYE EDI EDIDEM KE
EBURUTU,
EBEKPO ODOT ENYE NTE NWO ODOT
EKOMO,
EBAK ODOT EBEKPO NTE ITON ODOT EME.

14. EDIYE OBONG ODOT EBEKPO

EYEN OKON OFIOM ODOT UBON,
EBAK ODOT SE OBON OBONDE,
ETE EDI OBONG OBON IMO.

15. OBONG EFIK EDI OWO NKON-INE,

USUK USEN ESIT AMA NKPO,
USUK USEN ESIT IMAHA-MA,
ESIT AMA NKPO INI-INI.

16. OTUEKPENYONG AKPARAWA EBEKPO,

EYEN NSEK-NSEK NTE EBIGHE,
ESEHEDE NTE EBIGHE UTUK EKPAN,
EDI ABASI IBOM EMEK ONO EFIK.

17. OBON NNYIN EKPRI AKPAN-AKPAN OKOBO,

AKPAN OKOBO ODONO NKPOUWAK EKESE
EYEN AKAMA IFIOK MBET UBOK EDEM IBA,
MAN OBIONO EKIKAK UTUK OKUTUK EFIK.

18. EYEN EMI EDI EYEN UKPON ATAI,

AMANA IMAN TUTU OSIM ANWAKAN,
EDI KPA EYEN EBEBE YE UKON,
ETE KE NKONO ESIT EDIK OBON IMO.

19. ENYENE ETI NKPO ITREKE IDARESIT,

ESIT KADAT MI YE ETI NKPO MI,
ABASI-IBOM ENYON MMUM KAMA NO BFIK
EFIK INYENEKE IBOTO IBOHOKE AFO IKPON.

20. AKWA ABASI ONO FI NTE ENO

ETE ETIE DO NTE IBOTO UFUHO EDIM,
MAN IBOKU EDIBE KE IDAK FO0,
OFUK MMO NTE EKA-UNEN OFUK NDITO.

ANDI WET CHIEF (MRS A. E RASSEY

19
 BURU
OIANA E

The Efik: A Brief History

saying
a tribe orginally made up clans hence"Ithetheproverbial
of twelve
offspring of the
i k Eburutu is ESIEN DUOPEBA", meaning
NDEM EFIK at Ibom in
"AMI EYEN "Ndem" of the twelve clans. These twelve clans sojourned
god Ito, Ukwa and Eki
Efik tutelary
Aro-Chukwu. Later they started to move out to ind places
like Eniong,
and Aro-Chukwu.
neighbours to Umon, Agwagune
where they are till this day were Iboku, Usuk Akpa, Abayen
and Enwang. From
reached Uruan and these of Calabar thus becoming the first
Four groups
establish a settlement on
the shores
here the Enwangs left to to the whole tribe.
became "Canaan'" Kin from Creek
Eiks to reach what later joined by their Kith and moved out of
also remained here until they were gradually that they finally
They between them and their neighbours
Town. It was after the quarrel component parts of the Oron
settle in of the Atlantic Islands that are now
Calabar to some
creatéd Akwa Ibom State.
Local Government in the newly and subsequent fight over an
continued to dwell in Uruan until the quarrel
The main group Rivers and today, Efiks occupy a
various parts of the Cross and Calabar
axe dispersed them to Areas of Cross River State
area that spans three
of the seven Local Government
geographical to be found in the Cameroons where in
in Akwa Ibom State. They are also
and Itu and OronAlexander Mission while on a visit there,
1877, Reverend Ross of the Church of Scotland
which spoke the Eik tongue.
observed that there were at least sixteen towns

ESIEN EFIK ITIABA (SEVEN EFIK CLANS: and chequered

Efiks as a result of a very long
Today, after the viscissitudes suffered by the themselves together from Uruan to Ik-
who kept
history of migrations, the Ibokus and those constituted
to Calabar had themselves into the "ESIEN EFIK
paene, to Creek Town,
TTIABA" or the Seven Efik Clans. With Enwang, Eniong,
Ito, Ukwa and Eki having struck
and Abayen and Usuk Akpa seriously depleted
settlements,
point their
to found own
out individually
in number to the of abserption by other groups, the groups therefore re-organised

themselves to maintain the unity of the

Seven Clans as follows

IBOKU ESIT EDIK-comprising Creek Town and dependencies.

its
IBOKU UTAN- comprising Duke Town, Henshaw Town, Cobham Town and their
dependencies.
and its dependencies.
-OBUTONG (Old Town)
ADIABO - and its dependencies.
- MBIABO EDERE and its dependencies.
- IKONETO Mbiabo Usuk),
- IKOT OFFIONG.

have miscegenated into extensive areas in

It may be mentioned here that many Efik groups
States where they have become parts of their
the Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Imo
respective areas of habitation.

KIN.SHIP:
The Eik tribe recognizes the following social structure:
ESIEN-Can groups centred in the seven original Efik settlements.
UFOK- House
IMAN Family

FFIK HOUSES:
The history of Old Calabar is the modern history of the Efks who like many other coastal
c
ty states did not just react to events but created and determined history to the community. 1heur
House system grew naturally from the patrlarchal character of the Efk soclal system. The units
tha coalesced and formed themselves into what became the tribe had frst formed themselvesin
to Lamily groups, recognlzing a common paternity ever before the Enks arrived at thelr present
babitation. This common paternity is borne out hrst by the twelve and later by the seven c i

structure emanating from ATAl and branchlng out into EFIOM EKPO.
From these stocks we have the following components:

20
 .URU

EDIDIANA
E D UFOR

ATAI EFIOM EKPO

Eyo Ema Atai Nsa Efiom
Oku Atai Edem Efiom
Adim Atai Okoho Efiom
Ukpong Atai

The Houses and all their ramifications therefore sprang from these components or founding
ancestors of Eik Iboku. The system did not arise from trade contacts with European traders as
s commonly and erroneously believed by people. Rather, it was already there and served as an
admirable vehicle for stabilizing and regulating trade. When Great Duke Ephraim IV (Efiom
Fdem) was "KING OF ALL CALABAR" (1814- 1834), the I ouses which were nearly thir.
ty in number were drastically reduced by him to FIFTEEN and rigidly controlled by him. No
one dared engage in trading except through him. When he died he was succeeded by King
Eyamba V but all the Houses immediately shook off Duke's totalitarian control and proceeded
to strengthen themselves into the independent settlements which Hope Waddell described in
1846 as "Petty Republics". Today, the Houses have been increased to thirty-two and some of
them are even felt to be large enough to warrant the establishment of more units.

EFIK KINGSHIP:
Points to Note
Eiks throughout their migrations at various times among the Ibos or Ibibios, were and still
remain believers and adherents to monarchical government.
*This structure was and still is built on a firm gras-roots base of families, houses, clans and
dan groups each of which has distinctly evolved through the centuries with the EDIDEM or
ETINYIN or KING or OBONG with the actual period of their reigns clearly identified.
Despite commercial, historical and political pressures at one time or another even during
the Efik Civil War (the Hensho/Dukean War), Efiks have always accepted that wherever they
III and Henshaw III
sojourned or lived, they were always "ONE FAMILY" AS Archibong
agreed after the Civil War in 1875.
ancestral line. Today, succession
*The Obongship succession evolved originally from one
ancestral lines traceable to ATAI and EFIOM EKPO. Thus we have
rotates around all the Efik
in recent years had Edidem Ededem Archibong V,
(Okoho Efñom), Edidem Adam II (Okoho
HenshawV (Nsa Eiom), Edidem Esien Ekpe Oku V
Eñom), continued by Edidem David James (Okoho E+om and now Edidem Otu
Adam m
(Oku Atai), Edidem Bassey Eyo Ephraim
Ekpenyong-Effa IX (Ukpong Atai), each succeeding the other in a single strengthened line of
Ruler of all the Eik people.
kingship as Grand Patriarch and Paramount makers. The most senior or eldest Etubom in
"Etuboms are the Heads of Houses and King
HEAD. The Obong is selected from among the
each clan is the IBUOT OBI0 or CLAN
Etuboms. functions, for example, the ABLUTION or
In the coronation ceremonial rituals, specific
of the new king, are traditionally performed by
ANOINTING WITH OIL before the crowning of thelr Houses.
the Clan Heads or by designated members
back to antiquity. It is the oldest known and recorded dynas.
The Efik Royal Lineage goes
ty on this side of the River Niger.
lineage to the present day, confers on it a
origin, its unmistaken and undisputedand
Its ancient
has been recognlzed in outslde Nlgerla. an anclent throne on
s t distinct position which conslder the Bilk monarchy slmply as
Insplte of the above, one cannot still ls sacred prlest (a concept still adhered to
which sits a king. To the Eiks the King wasand
a
roots are governed by a sacred trinity
Ife Ashant). The Eik people from the grass
Dy Bini, and
Some have called thls the Eflk Trlpod. The throne with
Throne the Ekpe and the Ndem. and Ndem each with its powers and in-
the Ekpe
its ls protected by the great powers of
dependent conclave.

21
 RUR
UFORO
EDIDIAN
It s therefore important to realze that in accordance with the Efik belel, while dealing with
the king whose positon and functdons are visible and communicable, the ritual strength of the
throne is even more powerful than the visible elements. An understanding of this fact will make
it clear why Efiks everywhere are so tied and devoted to their throne, and why anything they
may rightly or wrongly consider to be against the king, touches them personally and deeply,
This sensitivity to the throne embodies their sensitivity to the ritual "trinity" which is the very
foendation for their reputation of loyalty not only to their king but to whererer such loyalty is
expected of them.

ON THIS AUSPICIOUS DAY

WE SEND UP OUR PRAYER
TO ALMIGHTY GOD TO:

Guard our shores from every foe

With peace our borders bless
With prosperous times our cities crown
Ourfields with plenteousness.

22
 BURUT
ODIAMA
SOME PARAPHERNALIA OF EFIK KINGSHIP:
IKPAYA:

Rm affia Robe worn by the Obong. It is believed to be embodied with psychic purity and is
\capable of killing anyone who wears it by default or with evil intentions.
AYANG:
This was originally unique to the Enk people but is now universally used in what is now
popularly known as the "Palm Belt". This is a broom held by the Obong to signify that his sub
jects are under his protection. It is here mentioned that the use of palm fronds or any articies
made from it, e-g. IKPAYA, AYANG, ISANDA (Raf+a Necklace worn at traditional
ceremonies) or palm fronds to decorate a canoe crossing the river or to decorate a hearse,
signifies Eik belief in the protective influence of the palm against evil.
AKATA
The Wooden throne made lrom whole wood and decorated with symbols of the tribe.
NTUNG & NDANG
Foot rest to signify weight, authority and stability of Offce.
NTINY A
The Eik Traditional Crown made with rope and trimmed at the base with leopard skin. The
present NTINYA EFIK as currently fashioned, had its origin from ADIAB0 and was designed
by Edidem Otu Mesembe Ukpong Ukpong Atai Iboku. Again this design has gained much
popularity among other tribes in some parts of the Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
IKAA
A split sword said to have originated in 500 B.C. and used in almost all West African
as the
Kingship in various shapes. It is a symbol of power. In Efik legend the Ikaa is regarded
source of divine power for Efik Kings or Ndidem who are regarded as the descendants of
and authority. It is
"Etinyin Abasi" or Ancestral Father. Held by the Obong, it signifies power to lead its holder
traditional ceremonies as a symbol of divination with power
used in psychical
in any mystical probe.
USAN IDANG OR USAN ABASsI
basin. Tradition has it that it had its origin from Sun
This is regarded as God's plate or God's Waddell
Worship. It is a sacred dish used in kingship installation and other royal rites. Hope
his book "Twenty-nine years in the West Indies and Central
describes the use of this basin in

Africa".
MKPANG EDUAT
and royalty.
held by the King to signify his purity, power
This is a spear sceptre and is
OTI the ""ASE" or Ballads or Praise
is used for the recitation of
This is a Royal Gong which
poems in honour
of the King.
NNUK ENEN
strength.
Elephant's tusks signifying
MONYO official to confirm the Obong's coronation.
The Sacred sceptre
held only by an Ekpe

23
 BURU
DDIAMAEDI U

TUPOS TRADITIONAL COUNCIL

Tront Row: LeEt to Right: with Edidem Otu Ekpenyong Efa seated at Centre Etubom E. B. Edet
Eyo Otfiong, Ekpo E. E. nrchibong, C. E. Boco, Efiom B. Efliwatt: Dr. E. E. Bassey, Asako Otu,
Essien Ita.
Second Row: Chiets L. E. Nya, 0. E. O. Asuquo, Dr. E. O. Akak, E. Hogan-Bassey, P. Bassey-Duke,
OKu E. OKu, F. E. Archibong. L. Asido, B. E. Antigha, Efiok E. Nsa.

ack Row: Chiefs A. R. H.Archibong. Adam Effa J. Eyamba, E. E. Nyong, F. M. Otu, Ekpo E. Archicong,
PTCiessor N. E.
Henshaw , Sylvester I. Henshaw, Ekeng Ek penyong

.r2 tn9 ectetai y). C ur E.

OLtLon Achibon) lronar ,
. E.

D
lehitou Eut3 . co
(haitmarn)
ch C . 1enyan), ub ien Ita,
tranei E. AcIEyag.

Ea a, i3 nira
LiJame , .
D ; anl

a l c ) itCe 13. itel

" aT gia tcant N. B. lens hs
 GENEALOGICAL TABLE OF
H.R.H. EDIDEM OTU EKPENYONG EFFA IX

ATAI 1BOKU

ADIM
EMA UKPONG
EKPE EYO UKPONG

ENE MESEMBE
ESSIEN
EKPE EKPO OTU
ANSA (F ITAM
EFFA NAMETI EWA ESU
EKPO EPI
UKPONG MARY (F)
HA
EFFA EKPENYONG n

EDIDEM EDIDEMOTU
EKPENYONG EFFA IX
OTU EKPENYONG
OTU UKPONG EKPE EFFA
EFFA IX OTU
ETA (F) OKON
EDET ASIDO UKPONG

NYONG ENA (F)

MARY (F)

OTU EKPENYONG
EFFA IX
 BURUN
CODIANA UFO
CORONATION PLANNING COMMITTEE
Chairman
1. Etubom C. E. Boco
2. Etubom Offiong Efanga Ita Ex-Officio
3. Etubom (Dr) E. E. Bassey Member
Member
4. Etubom Essien lIta
5. Etubom Ewa E. Ewa Member
6. Etubom Eyo Offiong Member
7. Etubom E. O. Ene Miember
8. Etubom Ekpo E. E. Archibong Member
9 Chief Ekpo Edem Archibong SecretaryY
10. Chief Sylvester I. Henshaw Treasurer
11. Chief L. E. Asido Financial Secretary
12 Chief L. E. Nya Chairman, Protocol Sub-Committee
13. Chief Francis E. Archibong Chairman, Publicity Sub-Committee
14 Chief Orok 0. Asuquo Church Service Sub Committee
15. Chief John Henry Bassey Chairman, Accommodation Suh- Committee
16. Chief (Mrs) Rose Offiong Chairman, Catering Sub-Committee
7 Chief Archibong E. Ironbar Chairman, Transport Sub Committee
8. Chief (Mrs) Bassey Etim Finance Sub-Committee
19 Mrs C. E. Ekpenyong Chairman, Decoration/Works Sub- Committee
20. Chief Edward E. Nyong Member
21. Chief (Prof) Nta E. Henshaw Member
22 Chief (Mrs) Ekei Essien Oku Member
23. Chief Eddie E. Moma Member
24 Chief (Mrs) Minika James Member
25. Chief Efiok E. Nsa Member
26. Architect Maurice E. Archibong Member
27 Chief F. M. Otu Member
28 Chief (Mrs) Ekanem Mkpanam Member
29 Chief Ekpo Eyo Bassey Member
30 Chief Adam J. Eyamba Member
31. Mr Daniel E. Nyambi Menmber
32. Chi.ef U. E. Arnigha Member
33 Chief E. E. Adam Member
MrEfiom O. Ironbar Member
35 Mrs A. E. Hogan Member
5Mr inyang Ekpe Inyang Member
Chef(fMrsi E. Inwang Member
21rsM Ekzenyong Member
e fAbne E. Nou
Member
C i f rs} bok t. Eom
Member
Prtie Ei n o p h r aif
Member
Member
Memtser
26
 DIUFOR
OtDIAMA
Appreciation
The Coronation planning
Committee
Expresses its deepest gratitude to The Church
Dignitaries, The Esop Ndito Efik Lagos,
Managing Director, Glad Tidings Press Limited,
Calabar, Efik Families, Women's Organisations,
Cultural Associations,Calabar Community
Organisation in Lagos and the numerous
well wishers who contributed to make
the event a successful one.
27
Giad Tidivgs Press &t4. 46. Mayne Ava, pnona 22186o Calabar