Meet the treaty king, the Obong of Calabar Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V

His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, is the present Obong of Calabar and one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional rulers. 

Recognised as the custodian of the Efik Kingdom, he ascended the throne in 2008 and has since played a significant role in preserving Efik culture, promoting education, and strengthening unity among the Efik people.

Royal heritage

Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V was born on November 20, 1949, in Calabar, Cross River State.

He was born into the royal lineage of the Adiabo clan, one of the seven principal clans that form the foundation of the Efik Kingdom.

His ancestry traces back many generations to the early founders of the Efik nation, giving him a deep connection to the history and traditions of his people.

He was the son of the late Etubom Okon Abasi Otu Ukpong Otu, a respected traditional leader and merchant who held influential positions within the Efik traditional system.

From childhood, the future monarch was exposed to the customs, values and historical traditions of the kingdom.

Education and professional training

His early education began at St. Patrick’s Convent School and St. Mary’s Primary School in Adiabo, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1963.

He later attended the West African Peoples Institute (WAPI), Calabar, earning his West African School Certificate in 1968.

Driven by a passion for technology, he proceeded to the Telecommunications School in Oshodi, Lagos, where he obtained a diploma in Telecommunications Engineering in 1973.

His outstanding academic performance earned him the International Telecommunication Union’s Best Student Award, which was presented by General Murtala Muhammed, then Minister of Communications.

He further strengthened his academic credentials by obtaining City and Guilds certifications in Telecommunications Engineering and later earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Benin in 1998.

Throughout his career, he also attended several professional courses in Nigeria, the United States, Sweden and Norway.

Distinguished career in telecommunications

Before becoming king, Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu built an impressive career in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

He joined the former Post and Telecommunications Department (P&T) under the Federal Ministry of Communications and steadily rose through the ranks due to his competence and dedication.

He eventually became Operations and Maintenance Manager in the Domestic Satellite Division.

Following reforms in the telecommunications industry, he moved into the private sector, working with Telnet Nigeria Limited and later McNair Nigeria Limited, where he served as Divisional Manager for the Western region.

His successful career spanned several decades before he answered the call to return home and assume greater responsibilities within the traditional leadership structure of his community.

Rise through traditional leadership

His journey to the throne was built on years of service within the Efik traditional system. He became head of his family and village leadership structure before being elevated to Clan Head and Etubom of Adiabo Ikot Mbo Otu.

Within the revered Ekpe traditional institution, he progressed through various ranks and eventually attained the prestigious title of Iyamba Ekpe, one of the highest positions in the society.

Following the death of the former Obong of Calabar, the late Edidem Nta Elijah Henshaw VI, in February 2008, Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu was selected as successor from the Western Calabar bloc of the Efik Kingdom.

Ascension as Obong of Calabar

He was traditionally crowned on May 3, 2008, and officially recognised by the Cross River State Government on July 11, 2008, when he officially received the Staff of Office from then Governor Liyel Imoke.

The installation marked the beginning of a new era in Efik traditional leadership.

Later that year, he underwent a church coronation ceremony at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Duke Town Parish, where he was presented before the Christian community as Defender of the Christian Faith and recognised among Christian monarchs worldwide.

Family life

The monarch is married to Queen Ansa (Veronica) Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu. Their marriage has been blessed with seven children.

Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V with his wife, Queen Ansa

Despite his royal responsibilities, he remains committed to family values and maintains strong ties with both immediate and extended relatives.

Faith and religious commitment

A devoted Catholic throughout his life, the Obong has actively supported church activities and community development projects.

His dedication to the Catholic faith earned him investiture as a Knight of the Order of Saint Mulumba (KSM), making him one of the few traditional rulers in Nigeria to combine royal authority with such a distinguished Catholic honour.

Challenges

His reign has not been without disputes over the throne. In November 2023, the Cross River State Government publicly reaffirmed its recognition of Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V as the legitimate Obong of Calabar.

In a statement issued through the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, the government dismissed competing claims to the throne and warned individuals challenging his authority, including former Finance Minister , to refrain from actions capable of creating tension over the traditional institution.

Achievements on the throne

Since ascending the throne, Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V has championed several initiatives aimed at preserving Efik identity and promoting development.

Among the notable achievements associated with his reign are:

• Support for the restoration of the Efik language in senior secondary school examinations.
• Strengthening unity among the various Efik clans and communities.
• Establishment of the Obong of Calabar Executive Forum to encourage professional participation in community development.
• Promotion of scholarship opportunities for Efik students in tertiary institutions.
• Support for charitable and community-based development projects across the kingdom.

His installation as Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, a significant honour for an Efik monarch.

Leadership style

Widely regarded as humble, approachable and compassionate, the Obong of Calabar is known for promoting dialogue, fairness and inclusive leadership.

His deep knowledge of Efik history and culture has made him a respected voice on matters affecting the kingdom.

More than a decade after his coronation, Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V remains a symbol of continuity, cultural preservation and traditional authority, guiding the Efik Kingdom while balancing ancient customs with modern realities.

Join Very Nigerian WhatsApp Community
For Quick Access To News and Happenings
Around You.