The Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, has called for peace in Cross River communities affected by communal crises.
The Monarch made the call while addressing some traditional rulers in his palace yesterday in Calabar. The paramount ruler of Calabar South local government area, HRH Eturbom Nyong Effiom, led some chiefs to pay him a courtesy visit.
He urged the paramount rulers to initiate plans for lasting peace in the embattled Henshaw Town and other communities within the council area.
He stated that incessant disputes were undermining development in all the warring communities.
The Obong charged traditional rulers to put aside their differences and work towards ensuring peace and togetherness, expressing confidence in the ability of HRM Okon to handle the situation in his domain.
“Leadership at all levels requires tolerance, dialogue, and compromise. Traditional institutions must set the example of peace and harmony for the people. If rulers fight among themselves, the community will suffer.
“I hereby charge the paramount ruler to call all the factions and aggrieved people together in Henshaw Town Council and Calabar South Traditional Rulers Council and ensure that there is give and take until there is peace, ” the monarch said.
He pledged to be involved in settling such issues if invited, adding, “Where you find it challenging, do not hesitate to bring me in, and I will gladly make myself available. I’m passionate about this.”
The royal father expressed gladness that HRM Okon, who he said abandoned the Efik throne to join forces against the Palace, was now Calabar South paramount ruler and was finally paying homage to the throne.
In his earlier remarks, Etubom Okon likened his journey back to the Palace to that of a victorious warrior returning home.
He assured the Obong that he would devote himself to sustaining peace within Calabar South, and that he was ready to play any assigned roles to ensure the Palace of the Obong of Calabar continued to enjoy its place as a foremost and first-class traditional throne in the country.
