By Anietie Akpan, Calabar
An giant iroko has fallen from the Bumaji forest of Eastern Boki in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.
This is the second time in a week the Boki nation is losing her prominent sons.
On January 8, the former Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon Abubakar Ewa had passed on.
This time around is Mr Livinus Ashikabe Obun, a centeranian. The teacher in Abo Obisu, Okwangwo, Ubong, the jet bomber of Ajasor Mission, the Teacher of Teachers, the legendary Headmaster from the obscure but intellectually renowned forest homestead Mr Livinus Ashikabe Obun.
His son , Hon Cletus Obun in a statement on January 13, announced the demise of the Iroko tree saying, he “has finally bowed to the Almighty God”.
He said, “My world is heavily shaken. Yes the very fountain of my being has been shattered. The Boki Nation is engulfed by the dark clouds of an ominous passage. From the grumbling valleys of Bumaji in Eastern Boki to the interminable plains of Bunyia in Irruan through the watery soils of kakwagom, Oku Bushuyu, Ntamante Ogep and Basan in Osokom unto the undulating hilly forests from Nsadop, Iso Ben, Enyi, Ebranta, Katabang, Bashua through Biajua to Danare the land of my birth is in tears.
“My father with whom I sat at table with on January 1, 2025 in his ancient designed sitting room passed on by 4.00 PM (12 days after) on January 13, 2025 the birthday of his grand daughter”.
Obun said details of the celebration will be released soonest as he charged all to join in the celebration of “a true legend who remained agile in mind and soul at 100”.