A paternal first cousin to the queen of England Queen Elizabeth II has been
given the titled of Adaidaha of Efik Eburutu.
Prince Michael Franklin was given the titled by the Obong of Calabar, Edidem
Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, a Treaty King and Grand Patriarch of the Efik Kingdom.
Also the president of Brazzaville Foundation, Mr. Johnnie Olivier was given
the same title as a recognition of his contribution in global peace
initiatives.
Accompanied to the palace of the Obong by the former governor of Cross River
state, Donald Duke; the former presidential adviser, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa
and the chief executive officer of Henshaw Capital Partners, Barbara
Etim-James, the duo received certificates and sceptres for their titles.
Speaking during the grand ceremony, the Obong said, the conferment of the
title is a reminder of the relationship between the Efik people and Britain.
He also urged the recipients to display their certificates and scepters to
the English monarch.
Also speaking, Duke said: “There is hardly any peace move in the
continent of Africa that Olivier does not work behind the scene. He finds
alternative solutions to conflict resolution. Played crucial role in South
Africa during the apartheid era and was involved. Prince Franklin is his ally.”
The chairman of Obong of Calabar Executive Forum, Asuquo Ekpenyong, said the
conferment is a re-enactment of the relationship between the Efik and Britain.
“The event is significant. It is not too common to confer an Efik title
on foreigners. It is a re-enactment of the relationship between the Efik,
Britain and peace. What we have seen is going to bring to the Efik and its
people a positive relationship. We have by this shown that we still recall the
past,” Ekpenyong said.
