Jubilation In Palace As Supreme Court Dethrones Obong Of Calabar

The Supreme Court on Friday sacked Édidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V as the Obong of Calabar brining to an end the 15 year legal tussle over stool.

The Obong of Calabar palace was, however, wrapped in euphoria over the judgment which cleared way for the sacked monarch to be considered in the fresh selection process.

In the lead judgment written by Justice Amina Augie and read by Justice Akomoye Agim, the apex court upheld the judgment of the Appeal Court, Calabar and ordered for a fresh election with the sacked Obong participating.

Etubom Anthony Ani, M.O.N, a former minister of finance and others in Suit No. HC/102/2008, filed by his lead counsel,  Mr. Joe Agi, SAN, had sued Etubom Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu and others in their capacities as members of the Etubom’s’ Traditional Council for jettisoning the screening process of the Western Calabar under the then Chairman, Etubom Abasi-Otu, now the Obong of Calabar that had screened and selected Etubom Ani as their sole candidate .

Etubom Ani had instituted the suit immediately after the Etuboms’ Conclave met and declared Etubom Abasi Otu as the Obong elect.

The High Court of Cross River state in its judgement on the matter delivered by Justice Obojor A. Ogar had sacked Abasi Otu as the Obong of Calabar on January 30, 2012  in favour of Etubom Anthony Ani.

The Obong and others challenged the High Court Judgement at the Appeal Court, Calabar which upheld the judgment of the lower court leading to the appeal at the Supreme Court.

Source: Vanguard

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