Traditional Rulers Charge Group on Patriotic Service, Loyalty

The Council of Oro Traditional Rulers (Obio Ifong Isong Oro) has charged a pan-Oro group, the Oro Nation Leadership Roundtable, to be patriotic in discharging its service to the Oro community.

The traditional rulers said the group must be zealous and dedicated, while being loyal to their wise counsels.

Speaking during the group’s courtesy call, the COTR Chairman and Paramount Ruler-elect of Urue Offong Oruko Local Government Area, HH Offong Effiong Unanaowo commended them for conducting themselves orderly.

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Offong Unanaowo used the occasion to condemn the unruly manner with which Oro youths were abusing the ‘traditional red cap’ (Iyara), saying only ‘ekpo initiates’ were qualified to decorate their Iyara.

Unanaowo, who believed that the Roundtable could set the pace for other youth groups in respecting tradition and using the Iyara properly, maintained that the COTR looks forward to a robust relationship with them.

Meanwhile, the Village Head of Edok and Secretary of COTR, Offong Etim Oquong and the Village Head of Eyo-Abiasang, Offong Effiong Uyeh, noted that there were many matters in Oro begging for attention.

The two, who decried that COTR cannot talk on the housetops, but in Oro shrine, wondered what the Roundtable was doing regarding the current agitation against the relocation of Ibaka Deep Seaport.

Also speaking, the Emeritus President-General of Oron Union, Sir (Dr.) Asuquo Inuikim observed that Oron Union was the administrative arm of the entire Oro Nation who, though with input from other leadership arms, has the authority to address all Oro concerns.

Inuikim, who expressed concerns over the level of insubordination among Oro youths; touching on the complex realities in the education sector, as well as marriage and burial ceremonies, called on the council to tinker towards a review of the rites.

The council however announced that its committee on Oro Nation Customary Law was working on reviewing issues of marriage in the land.

Earlier at the event, the Convener of Oro Nation Leadership Roundtable, Barr Omen Bassey raised concerns over erosion in leadership organs and education sectors of Oro.

Flanked by his Secretary, Samuel Duncan and other members, including Barr Godwin Etta, Dr Emmanuel Ating, Mrs Kate Hensley, among others, Omen Bassey said marriage and burial rites have become complex, as many people were no longer able to afford.

While calling on the traditional rulers to intervene in adjusting some of the customary rites, he sought fatherly endorsement of the Roundtable.

Other members of the COTR in the meeting included Sir (Dr.) and Lady Etim