By Nsidibe Akpan
In a historic move, the Transition Chairman of Itu Local Government Council, Barr. Etetim Onuk, has revealed plans for the official coronation of the paramount ruler of Itu local government, His Royal Majesty, Edidem (Dr) Edet Akpan Inyang. The coronation comes after 19-years on the throne.
The announcement was made during an event held on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at the Itu Council Secretariat in Mbak Atai Itam.
The occasion also marked the inauguration of the Central Planning Committee tasked with organizing the coronation ceremony. Mr. Emmanuel Ndon, the Secretary to Itu Local Government, will lead the committee in planning and executing the long-awaited event. The committee is also responsible for suggesting a suitable date for the coronation in collaboration with the council.
Addressing the gathering, Barr. Onuk expressed his commitment to rectifying what he deemed an oversight in the history of traditional institution. He emphasised the importance of official coronation of the paramount ruler, acknowledging His Royal Majesty, Edidem (Dr) Edet Akpan Inyang, as one of the longest-serving paramount rulers in the state.
“This is one project that has been so dear to my heart,” Onuk said, “We came and inherited a wrong history that our Paramount Ruler, who has been one of the longest-serving Paramount Rulers in the state has not enjoyed official coronation
“I saw it as an error, I think one of the reasons God has given me the grace to be here in my first term, second and now as a transition chairman, because God did not want me to leave this council without doing the needful of restoring the sanctity of that office and the importance of that exercise.
“I want to congratulate all of us, that we are going to be part of history. This is a long overdue event. I had thought about it within myself and also brought it to the immediate past executive committee of this council. After having waited for this long period, we should not just do a coronation after 19 years in on the throne, we should host a befitting event that was worth waiting for.”
To complement the coronation, Barr. Onuk unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art Traditional Rulers Office Complex in Itu LGA. He envisioned it as the best of its kind in the state, aiming to replicate the standards set at the state level.
“That is why we came up with the idea of having a befitting Traditional Rulers Office Complex in Itu LGA. Without sounding immodest, that is going to be the best of its kind in this state, we are trying to replicate what is at the state level.
“We feel that this is one way that we can justify why we had to wait this long to have the coronation.”
Members of the planning committee were carefully selected to ensure the success of the event. Emmanuel Ndon serves as the chairman, supported by Nyong Ebong as the secretary, and Dr. Bassey Okon as adviser. The committee comprises various respected individuals, including Engr. Bassey Ekanem, Unyime Ikpe, Mrs Emem Ekpanya, Engr. Otobong Edward, Chief Daniel Udoh, Engr Ndifreke Usanga, Obonganwan Ofonmbuk Inyang, Ime Ekeng, Chief Effiong Okon, Elder Obonganwan Eno Udok, Prof. Edna Akpan, Madam Rose Ansa, Aniedi Essien, and Effong Davies.
Barr. Onuk charged the committee members to be diligence, urging them to ensure the meticulous planning and execution of the coronation event, which promises to be a historic and memorable occasion for the Itu Local Government Council.
