In a profound gesture of national solidarity, the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, has called off all celebrations for his birthday, choosing instead to stand with Nigerians grieving from recent violence.
A Solemn Decision for a Day of Reflection
The palace issued a decisive press release on 20 November 2025, announcing the complete cancellation of the festivities, cultural displays, and public gatherings that traditionally mark the monarch's birthday on the 20th of November. The Obong directed that the day should instead be observed with quiet reflection and prayers.
The statement explicitly expressed solidarity with families hundreds of kilometres away from his South-Southern kingdom, specifically mentioning the parents of abducted children in Kebbi, wounded congregations in Kwara, afflicted households in Zamfara, and the families of fallen soldiers.
A Symbolic Act of National Unity
This deliberate mention of northern states—Kebbi in the North-West and Kwara in the North-Central—by a pre-eminent traditional ruler from the South-South is a significant symbolic act. In a nation often divided by regional discourse, the Obong's gesture reframes grief and insecurity as a collective national burden.
The palace's statement articulated this philosophy clearly: Though these tragedies lie beyond Efik borders, the pain is borne by the nation, and the Throne shares in it with heartfelt compassion. This message of shared nationhood resonates at a time of widespread national anxiety.
Public Reaction and a Silent Sermon
The directive from the Calabar palace was unambiguous: all congratulatory visits and celebratory activities were suspended. While the Obong encouraged private acts of charity, he insisted they be done without fanfare to maintain a tone of solemnity and respect.
This decision has since sparked widespread conversations across social media, particularly within Calabar and Cross River State. By trading royal pomp for a day of prayer for victims in far-flung states, the Obong of Calabar has issued a powerful, silent sermon on the true meaning of a common Nigerian identity.
