By Magnus Effiong
Three Efik chiefs, who dragged the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V and others, to court over issues bordering on the succession tussle, have applied to the court for discontinuation of the matter.
Our reporter gathered that the case, which has suit number HC/278/2023, was initiated by Etubom Ephraim Etim Nsa (For himself and representing the traditional council of Ufok Ikot Ani-Mbiabo Ikoneto), Etubom Okon Asuquo and Etubom Micah Archibong.
The above three chiefs, who said they were ‘the Legitimate Etubom’s Traditional Rulers Council in Obong’s Palace,’ are claimants/applicants in the matter while Edidem Abasi-Otu V, Ntiero Edem Ofiong Efiwat, Edem Ita Essien Ededem, Government of Cross River state and Attorney-General of the State are defendants.
The claimants are alleged to be the core supporters of one of the contenders to the throne, Etubom Tony Ani, whose son is the State’s Attorney-General.
The claimants had sought the intervention of the court to declare Ani the rightful Obong despite a Supreme Court judgment that appeared to have disqualified him.
The reselection of Edidem Abasi-Otu V as Obong, for the third time in 16 years, was conducted as ordered by the Supreme Court and the outcome was accepted by the Government of Cross River State in November 2023. This development was promptly rejected by the appellants who headed to court.
However, in a motion on notice, dated February 14, 2025, the applicants sought “an order granting leave to the claimant/applicants to discontinue the proceedings in this suit wholly or entirely.”
The claimants’ counsel, Uket Ifere Esq had argued that “if the instant application is not accepted and permission to withdraw the suit is not allowed, the claimants will suffer irreparable loss,” and that “It is most humbly prayed that instant application may be accepted and the claimants may be allowed to withdraw the above-titled suit in the interest of peace.”
On reasons for the discontinuation of the case, the claimants said it was “because one of the claimants resigned and the Writ of Summons contained in advertent technical mistakes.”
The matter, which came up on Wednesday, was adjourned by the presiding judge, Justice Elias Abua, to March 4, 2025 for review.
Our reporter further learnt that one of the initial claimants in the matter, Etubom Esien Ekpenyong Efiok, had on November 11, 2024, applied to the court to withdraw from the suits thereby depleting the claimants’ rank. This application was granted accordingly.