Ekpe
By Anietie Akpan
Ekpe lords in Calabar, Cross River State, have read the riot act to Ekpe initiates and non Initiates indulging in sacrilegious acts.
Accordingly, ancestral sanctions await initiates and non-initiates for desecration of Ekpe.
This warning was contained in a statement by the Iyamba Mosonko Ekpe Efik Ibeku which stated that “Ekpe is deeply spiritual. And as such, great care must be taken in all matters related to its spirituality”.
The statement said, “there are specific rules that both initiates and non-initiates must adhere to.
“It is therefore concerning to see the now rampant desecration of this sacred tradition, which has necessitated the decision by Ekpe Efik lbeku to revert to strict adherence to historical traditional norms and regulations”.
The statement said, “some of the sacrilegious acts we have observed and will no longer tolerate include, but are not restricted to:
“Allowing a non-title holder to raise, lead or control Ekpe.
“Improper presentation and misrepresentation of appearance of Idem Ikwo, the physical manifestation of Ekpe.
“All individuals who claim to be initiates must understand and adhere to what is considered proper; ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse”.
Other sacrilegious acts listed include; “moving from one Ekpe domain to another without following the proper Ekpe protocols, which all adepts must be familiar with and respect.
“Yet again, claims of ignorance will not be accepted as initiates are expected to know the basic principles and rules of Ekpe.
“The leadership of or moving around with Ekpe by females (initiates or not) is prohibited”.
Hence female Ekpe initiates must adhere to their prescribed roles and only be present where permitted during Ekpe proceedings”.
The statement further said, “non-initiates mimicking, playing or participating in any Ekpe procession or gathering is strongly forbidden.
“It is the duty of Ekpe initiates to ensure that non-initiates do not partake in Ekpe activities or they themselves will be held responsible for any and all such infractions”
Ekpe Efik lbeku therefore cautioned that “going forward, any breach or abuse of Ekpe rules and regulations within our domain will not be tolerated, as such infractions will be addressed dispassionately in strict accordance with the traditions passed down by our ancestors”.
