By Eme Offiong, Calabar
Eighty-five diasporans of African origin have been formally inducted into the twelve ancestral clans of the Efik Kingdom.
The Efik Kingdom, which has the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, the fifth, as the Grand Patriarch and Treaty King, is administered from Calabar, the Cross River State capital in southern Nigeria.
The Obong of Calabar officially welcomed the diasporans, who, after performing the cultural rituals of induction and recitation of the oath of allegiance to the Efik Kingdom and Nigeria, were given new names, signifying their return to ancestral lands.
The inductees were drawn from countries including Barbados, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, France, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Curacao, Ghana, and Uganda, among others.
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The Obong of Calabar described the inductees as bonafide sons and daughters of the kingdom and commended them for making the effort and time to trace and reclaim their ancestral identities.
The monarch stated, “With this induction, I welcome all of you as part of the ancient Efik Eburutu Kingdom and members of the twelve clans. I believe that henceforth, you will never forget that you are Efik sons and daughters and this land is now your ancestral home.”
Before the induction rituals came to a conclusion, the monarch directed the clan heads (also referred to in the local parlance as Etubom) to ensure their full integration.
To the inductees, the Obong reminded them that they have been granted full rights and privileges as indigenous people of the Efik Kingdom: “I encourage all of you to visit home frequently, participate in every activity we have as a community, and explore investment opportunities to foster stronger socioeconomic ties.”
He applauded Governor Bassey Otu’s administration for establishing a diaspora commission, an initiative aimed at reconnecting Nigerian diasporans with their roots, describing the effort as a step that would yield long-term socioeconomic benefits.
Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of certificates to the inductees bearing their new Efik names, conferment of special titles to eight accomplished entrepreneurs in the group and recognition of the oldest member of the group alongside six of the youngest.
One of the inductees, Mrs. Nkwa Edet Otu, overwhelmed with emotion, described the moment as spiritually and emotionally fulfilling as the visit to Cross River State and the Efik land in particular presented them with the unique opportunity to reconnect with their roots.
She said, “with these certificates, we have received what rightly belonged to us. I feel that my fellow Diasporans and I are finally back home. We declare an end to tears of separation and embrace forgiveness and unity.”
Cultural displays such as the revered Ekpe masquerade, Nyok and Ikpaya dances entertained the inductees, visitors and members of the Obong’s palace including community folks.