Cross River State Government will immortalise the longest-serving monarch in Africa, HRM Uti Agba, for his numerous contributions to the state and country at large.

The king was laid to rest, at the weekend, in his hometown, Obudu, Cross River.

During the funeral Mass in his honour at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Obudu, on Saturday, Governor Bassey Otu, represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, noted that the monarch’s life was worthy of emulation and the respect accorded him was borne out of his selfless service to his community and people while he lived.

“It is very difficult for us to bear this loss of a great son of the north. He has, indeed, left a big vacuum. But we know that he is with God and we will continue to pray for him,”Otu said.

The longest-serving monarch in Africa’s history, whose death was announced in April 2023, reigned for 64 years and passed at 91 years and 4 months.

He was the Chancellor of Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH).
Extolling the virtues of the late monarch, paramount ruler and Muri Muneneof Efut, in Southern Cross River, Maurice Okon Eyo 1, described him as one of the most respected traditional rulers because of what he stood for.

The burial was graced by eminent sons and daughters of Cross River and well-meaning Nigerians, including former governor of Benue State, Sen. Gabriel Suswam; Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan-Enoh, who represented Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen; Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi and Cross River State Commissioner for Finance, Mike Odere.