The Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, has taken the unprecedented step of cancelling all planned celebrations for his birthday in a remarkable show of solidarity with victims of recent violence in northern Nigeria.
A Sombre Observance Replaces Festivities
The palace issued an official statement on November 21, 2025, announcing the cancellation of all festivities, cultural displays, and public gatherings that were scheduled to mark the monarch's birthday on November 20. Instead, the day was observed with quiet reflection and prayers for bereaved families and the safe return of abducted citizens across Nigeria.
The statement from the royal palace conveyed the monarch's position clearly: "His Eminence cannot receive his day in celebration while many families across the land are bowed in mourning." The Obong specifically expressed compassion for parents of abducted children in Kebbi State, wounded worshipers in Kwara State, afflicted households in Zamfara State, and 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 one of Nigeria's most prominent traditional rulers from the South-South geopolitical zone is being widely interpreted as a significant symbolic act of national unity. In a country where public discourse often fractures along regional and ethnic lines, the Obong's gesture frames grief and insecurity as a collective national burden rather than localized problems.
The palace statement articulated this philosophy of shared nationhood: "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 resonates deeply at a time of widespread national anxiety about security challenges across multiple regions.
Public Response and Private Charity
The Obong encouraged private acts of charity to support those in need, but strictly "without fanfare" to ensure the day maintained its tone of solemnity and respect. This approach emphasizes substance over symbolism in addressing the nation's challenges.
The decision has already sparked significant conversations on social media platforms, particularly within Calabar and throughout Cross River State. Many citizens have praised the monarch's leadership and empathy, noting how it contrasts with the often divisive rhetoric in national discourse.
This gesture from the Calabar throne represents a powerful example of traditional leadership promoting national cohesion during difficult times, reminding citizens that tragedy in one part of Nigeria affects the entire nation.
