Glitz, glamour, and nobility evinced in the rich Ibibio culture were on display at the crowning of Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon as Paramount Ruler of Uyo local government area, Akwa Ibom State.
The enthralling event, on Saturday, December 7, drew men and women of diverse castes, top politicians, royal fathers, indigenes of the state and visitors to the Ibibio Unity Park, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, where they were thrilled by the dance steps and cultural renditions from different Ibibio cultural groups.
Some worthy sons and daughters were given awards for their immense contributions to the betterment of the state, while others were decorated with chieftaincy titles.
In his address shortly after the coronation ceremonies, Edidem Sylvanus Okon, pledged that he would make himself accessible to the people, adding that he would carry out his duties to the best of his ability as the paramount ruler of the area.
“As a Paramount Ruler, I am not relaxing on the throne. I am not hiding somewhere and barring any of my sons or daughters from reaching out to me in the event of any necessity. My duties cut across mediate of crisis, settlement of disputes, giving of directions on traditional matters and overseeing the overall progress of my beloved people,” he noted.
The monarch said that he would ensure that visitors, relevant stakeholders, political leaders, and operators of private ventures abide by the guiding rules and tenets in order to engender peaceful coexistence and progress in the area.
While saying that President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election was a proof of the confidence Nigerians had in him to correct the mistakes of past governments, Edidem Okon, however, pleaded with the President to ensure that his policies and programme are those which would encourage development in all parts of the country.
He said “more specifically, I use this medium to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to show compassion for our people by approving funds for the full construction of the Calabar-Itu road. The economic importance of that rod cannot be quantified, as billions of naira are conveyed through it in goods and services transmitted on a daily basis.”
He thanked the state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for appointing sons and daughters of Uyo local government area to serve in his government and pleaded with the governor to absorb more indigenes to serve.
Speaking at the event, Governor Udom Emmanuel tasked royal fathers to shun partisan politics, but deal equally with all their subjects to ensure fairness, equity and justice at all times.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Moses Ekpo, congratulated Edidem Okon on his coronation and commended Uyo Traditional Rulers’ Council for the selection process that was devoid of rancour.
“We expect that all our paramount rulers should work harmoniously with all their subjects and relate well with the government to ensure peace, harmony and development of our state. Our mantra remains peace, development and unity.
“Monarchs must be above all in all that they do. They must eschew partisan politics and deal friendly with all their subjects. Akwa Ibom state is a strong and potent force that binds us in a symphony of love and togetherness to ensure fairness and equity at all times.
In a goodwill message, Mr. Udo Ekpenyong, the state commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, said that the monarch’s selection as the paramount ruler of the area was a proof that the people appreciate his selfless and dedicated service to them.
Ekpenyong expressed optimism that the monarch’s elevation would bring about the much needed socio-cultural revival of the people of the area.
