Otu, Ekpeyong, Speaker, Eulogise Late Music Icon, Duke At Funeral

Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial district, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong Jr has described the Calabar born ace musician, late Chief Charles Effiom -Duke as a colossus who created much impact in the entertainment industry and made many who are now bosses on their own.

Ekpeyong made the remarks while speaking at the reception ceremony of late Chief Charles Effiom -Duke which took place at the Dome Event Centre Càlabar Municipality Council headquarters yesterday.

He eulogised the late Chief Duke for grooming many young men and women in the industry who had excelled and were now sojourning outside the shores of Nigeria in search of greener pastures.

The late musician Charles Duke, father-in-law to a former House of Representative member representing Bekwarra, Obudu Obanlikwu federal constituency, was a well-known highlife musician in Cross River before his demise.

Senator Ekpenyong said, “Late Father-in-law of the former federal lawmaker Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo was a colossus in the entertainment industry in Cross River State.

“Having mentored many notable musical artists in the state. I prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.

“Chief Charles Effiom Duke is one man who had indeed left a legacy of creative excellence and has thus left indelible marks on the sands of time.”

Other dignitaries who also lent their voices to eulogize the father of Hon Legor Idagbor’s wife, Capt Cassandra Legor Idagbor, include Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem and Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy Prince Eka Williams.

They all celebrated the life and times of the late music maestro and decried the situation in which rising musical and creative talents do not have the needed mentorship and support to rise to the peak of their careers.

The state governor, Bassey Otu, pledged his support for the bereaved family and encouraged artists who have risen to the peak of their careers to support others who are still growing.