Nkot Mbok Violates Ekpe Laws, Says Efik Ekpe Ibeku"

Hannah ARIKPO 

  AUTHORITIES  of the age long, well respected  traditional institution of the Efik people in Cross River state - 'the Ekpe Society', has applauded  the Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for his timely intervention in halting the controversial Nkot Mbok outing, which was widely criticized for allegedly violating the sanctity of Efik tradition.

  The Society in a statement in Calabar, by Ekpe Efik Ibeku, remarked that Governor Otu's decisive action makes him standout as a true Efik son who is ever ready to defend the integrity of the sacred Ekpe masquerade, a fundamental pillar of Efik culture and spirituality.

  It acknowledged the importance of fostering unity among Efik, Efut, and Abakpa youths but emphasized that such efforts must not come at the expense of desecrating their revered tradition.

  The Ekpe Society further enumerated areas where organizers of Nkot Mbok, faulted to include, outright disregard for Ekpe laws and protocols. For instance: 
 Ekpe laws, authorises that processions must begin and end at recognized Ekpe lodges, where specific rites are performed. On the contrary, organizers of Nkot Mbok, designated an unrecognized muster point, there by raising concerns about the authenticity of their masquerades.
 
 Before any outing of 
Ekpe displays, the Society usually secures authorization from lodges with jurisdiction over the area of the procession. Whereas
Nkot Mbok organizers failed to obtain such approvals, creating the potential for confrontations and disorder.

  Ekpe tradition forbids females, whether initiates or non-initiates, to approach the sacred Idem Ikwo (Ekpe masquerade) a law which was violently defiled several times and  condemned Nkot Mbot organizers for allowing women to take selfies with and even hug the Idem Ikwo, an act deemed a desecration of the traditional institution.

  Non-initiates  prohibited from taking part in Ekpe processions were expressly accorded  widespread participation   by  organizers of Nkot Mbok, in violation of Ekpe laws.

  Ekpe masquerades are forbidden from being outside after six p.m., but Nkot Mbok extended their activities until nine o'clock in the night, with some masquerades even unmasking in public, further compounding the violations.

 The Ekpe Society emphasizes the sacredness of the Ekpe institution which is set  apart  from all political interference. They criticized the Nkot Mbok  organizers for attempting to drag Ekpe into political matters, warning of the potential consequences of such actions.

The Ekpe Society reaffirmed its position that unity among youths should be pursued in ways that respect and honor the traditions of the Efik people. They praised Governor Otu for his decisive intervention, describing him as a true son of the Efik, Efut, and Abakpa communities.

“His Excellency has proven himself to be a true custodian of Efik heritage, committed to preserving our rich traditions. 
His intervention not only protected the Ekpe institution but also ensured the safety of lives and Property in our state."