The Obong of Càlabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu the fifth has warned traditional rulers, clans and village heads in Cross River State to desist from maltreating widows and their heirs against provisions of state law.
The traditional ruler said all offenders will henceforth face dire consequences.
The Obong stated this in his palace when he received the representatives of widows from the 18 Local Government Areas which sought his support on the implementation of the Widows Rights Law In Cross River State.
Also Read: Obong of Calabar task Muslims on peaceful coexistence during Ramadan
The Efik monarch said Cross River State Law of 2007 titled Female Persons Inheritance Property Law popularly known as Widows Rights Law should be fully implemented to protect widows from undue humiliation arising from some traditional beliefs.
He commended the Coordinating Trustee of the State Widows, Ima Nsa-Adegoke for her tenacity and support for the widows.
Some of the widows who expressed their feelings called for urgent government attention and proper implementation of the Widows Rights Law.
( Editor: Omor Bazuaye)
