The Obong of Calabar-elect, Etubom Anthony Ani, has pledged total support of the Efik throne to Governor Bassey Otu’s administration to enable it to succeed.

Ani, who was elected recently, following a Supreme Court judgement that deposed the former Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, made the pledge when the Ikoneto royal house paid him homage at his residence in Calabar, on Thursday.

Recall that the throne of the Obong of Calabar had been a subject of endless litigation until the Supreme Court, on Friday January 13, 2023, dethroned Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V and ordered a fresh election in which the deposed Obong was qualify to contest.

According to the apex court, the way and manner Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu was selected and proclaimed the Obong of Calabar was not in accordance with principles of natural justice, ruling that a fresh election be held in line with the 2002 Constitution of the palace.

Days after the Supreme Court judgement, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu was re-elected by 13 members of the Etubom conclaves.

However, the re-election was stiffly opposed, because the Etuboms, who re-elected the Obong, were said not to be part of the Etubom conclave, recognised in the 2002 Constitution, which the court referred.

In compliance with the order of the court, surviving members of the Etubom council, established in the 2002 Constitution, carried out another selection and election, which saw Etubom Anthony Ani emerging as the Obong of Calabar-elect.

Speaking while receiving the Ikoneto royal house, at weekend, Etubom Ani, a former finance minister, assured the delegation of a rebirth of the cultural and traditional heritage of the Efik kingdom.

He said: “Starting from this year, we are going to build new palaces for our deities to restore the traditional heritage and glory of the Efik kingdom.”

He added that the palace will work in partnership with the government to usher in an atmosphere where industries and job creation would thrive.

The monarch-elect further pledged to bring his wealth of experience in his new role as traditional ruler to facilitate seamless economic growth and overall prosperity in the state.

The monarch-elect recalled how his efforts helped to foster peace and stability in the Efik nation, regretting that in spite of the sacrifices, his Ikoneto lineage continued to suffer marginalisation and opposition in ascending the Efik throne.