The Etubom Council of the Obong Calabar has concluded arrangements to receive the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II and his traditional council in the ancient city.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Obong in Council, the 3-day visit described as historical will offer the two kingdoms opportunity to renew their long existing relationship and further discussions on how to sustain their cultural ties.
The statement signed by Etubom Bassey Ndem, said the Benin Monarch and his entourage are to be hosted in Calabar by the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, Natural Ruler and Treaty King of the Efik Kingdom in his palace.
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The Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade is to receive the Oba of Benin in a courtesy call before his departure to Port Harcourt where he is also expected to visit Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.
According to the statement, the Oba of Benin will be received in the grand reception at the Palace of the Obong of Calabar on Saturday 11th, while on Sunday 12th, January, there will be a royal banquet for him and his entourage while the Governor of Cross River will receive him on Monday.
The visit will further cement the age-long relationship between the ancient Efik and Benin Kingdoms which dates back over 100 years ago.
The statement said” the royal visit will open a new vista to an old age relationship that had existed between the two Kingdoms and we believe that the Benin people all around the neighboring states near Calabar are ready in high gear in anticipation of the visit of their Oba”