Eze Ndigbo in Calabar has been issued a seven-day notice by a group in the palace of Obong of Calabar over alleged disrespect for traditional institution.

The confinement of a prestigious award on the Managing Director of Innoson Motors, Innocent Chukwuma by the Eze Ndigbo in Cross River palace at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), without authorization from the Obong of Calabar, has been linked to the feud between the two traditional rulers in the domain.

Daily Trust, had reported that an Efik socio-cultural organisation, operating within the palace of the Obong of Calabar, “Nka Ikemesit Mkparawa Essien Efik Duopeba” in a press statement, dated April 3, and signed by the group’s Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary, Ekpo Ekeng, Adim Ekpeyong and Ekpeyong Bassey respectively, accused the Eze Ndigbo of insulting and impersonating the Efik King and Obong of Calabar, His Royal Majesty Edidem Ekpo.

But the Ohanaeze youth wing has kicked against the seven-day ultimatum issued by a group.

Addressing newsmen on Saturday in Yenogoa, the Bayelsa State Capital, the South South Coordinator of Ohanaeze Youth Wing, Chief Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, described the incident as unfortunate.

He wondered why a group will issue a quit notice to a Nigerian living in any part of the country, urging Governor Ben Ayade of Cross Rivers State to intervene for continued peaceful coexistence between the Efik and Igbo people.

He alleged that the conferment of award on the Managing Director of Innoson Motors, Innocent Chukwuma who visited Eze Ndigbo in Cross River palace without doing the same to Obong of Calabar, angered the Royal Palace of the ancient Efik kingdom.

The Ohaneze Youth leader argued that any prominent Igbo son or daughter who visits any place is at liberty to visit his people and the Eze Ndigbo in that area.

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