CONFERMENT OF HONORARY CHIEFTAINCY TITLES OF NTUFAM/NTUNKAE BY THE MBARAKOM COMMUNITY

December 21st, 2024, was a memorable day in the Mbarakom community, Ejagham Akamkpa Cluster, in Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. On this day, a number of illustrious sons and daughters of the land were honored with the revered Ntufam and Ntunkae titles by the community. The ceremony, steeped in tradition and cultural heritage, was a spectacular display of music, dance, processions, and rituals.

An honorary chieftaincy title award in an Ejagham community is a prestigious recognition, acknowledging the socio-cultural, socio-economic, and/or socio-political contributions of the awardee to the community. It also serves as an opportunity for the community to strengthen inter-community relations by extending the award to non-indigenes. It was in this spirit that the 13 sons and daughters of the community were celebrated.

This report provides an overview of the ceremony, highlighting its key aspects and significance.

Mbarakom, like other Ejagham communities, has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional coronation ceremonies dating back centuries. The recent honorary chieftaincy title award ceremony marks an important milestone in Mbarakom’s history and in the lives of the awardees, who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the growth of the community and the Ejagham people.

THE CEREMONY

The coronation ceremony took place at the OCHAME MGBE playground, a sacred site of great cultural significance to the Ejagham people. As you may know, Ocham symbolizes the completeness and autonomy of an Ejagham community once it is founded.

The event began with the arrival of guests and dignitaries at the venue, including a sizeable crowd of community members. On this occasion, the awardees, except for a few, assembled about 200 meters from the venue. Similarly, the chief host, His Royal Highness Ntufam Sylvester Itagbor Nnum-Mgbe, the Mfona Fang Fang Onun Ekim, and his council gathered at the Ntufam’s Palace, located over 500 meters from the event venue.

PROCESSION

Awardees’ Procession:

The first procession was the solemn march of the awardees to the event venue, a nearly 200-meter walk. This was the first procession of its kind in Mbarakom. The route was adorned with balloons and palm fronds. Wartime sounds from the traditional Ibang (horn) and the rhythmic clanging of the Okankang (double bell) accompanied the procession. The procession reflected the Ejagham tradition of respect for age, with the eldest awardee leading the group. The awardees were all elegantly dressed in their finest traditional attire.

Ntufam’s Procession:

Shortly after the awardees took their seats, the sound of war songs, chants, drums, and horns signalled the arrival of the traditional procession led by Mfona Fang Fang. The procession, accompanied by excited children emerging from nearby alleys, took a unique route around the venue to appease the gods of the land. The procession was announced by seven loud explosions and a standing ovation from the crowd.

Opening

Following the grand entry of His Royal Highness Ntufam Sylvester Itagbor Nnumgbe II, an opening prayer was delivered by Rev. Fr. Julius Nnumgbe Enang. The occasion was then traditionally declared open by His Royal Highness Ntufam Sylvester Itagbor Nnumgbe II, the Mfona Fang Fang of Onun Ekim/Echi-Atui Mbarakom, after a libation was poured to invite the ancestral spirits and ward off unwanted ones. Three gunshots marked the end of the libation.

Recognitions

After the libation, various dignitaries were duly recognized and introduced. These included the Atui-Ofam (Chiefs) from other Ejagham communities, Iyambas (traditional Prime Ministers) of various Ejagham communities, Atem-Atui (Honorary Chiefs), the Chairman of Yakurr LGA, Hon Yiballa Inyang and representatives from Bakor Ejagham, among others. The recognition session was highlighted by a performance from the revered Ejagham traditional masquerade, Mgbe.

Welcome Address & Chairman’s Opening Remarks

The Chairman of the organizing committee, Amb. Denis Monche, delivered a welcome address, followed by an opening remark from the Chairman of the occasion, Ntufam Ignatius Ayamba, a native of Mbarakom. One key highlight of the Chairman’s speech was an emphasis on the work of the Ejagham Tradition (EjT) in efforts to codify the Ejagham language and unify the Ejagham people. He encouraged all Ejagham sons and daughters to join in promoting their shared heritage.

Title Conferment

The conferment of the honorary chieftaincy titles was the climax of the event. The ceremonial rites were carried out by Mfona Fang Fang, supported by his lieutenants, Ntui Dibu (Mokafa) Clement Itotup and Ntufam Joseph Anangabor. The awardees were formally enthroned in a meticulous ritual filled with traditional significance. The first awardee, Rev. Fr. Christopher Okpu, received his award in absentia, with a representative accepting it on his behalf.

The second awardee, Chief Patrick Nyong Effiong, approached the prepared stand where he stood before Mfona Fang Fang. His citation was read aloud, and the crowd erupted in applause. After kneeling before Mfona Fang Fang, he was adorned with the chieftaincy paraphernalia — the beads, cap, and the ceremonial staff, which he held with both hands. The specific title awarded was then announced for the first time, sparking more cheers from the crowd. The title was closely linked to the awardee’s contributions to the community. The awardee then stood, holding the staff, and was handed the official certificate, which led to another round of loud ovation. He was then escorted to his seat amidst cheers from family and friends.

The ceremony continued as each awardee took their turn in the coronation ritual. True to Ejagham customs, the eldest awardee was conferred first, with the others following in order of seniority.

The awardees, now Atui-Ofam (plural of Ntufam), were as follows:

Rev. Fr. Christopher Attah Okpu – Ntufam Njom Aku Osowo

Chief Patrick Nyong Effiong – Ntufam Onor Ejagham

Hon. Victor Effiong Okon FCAI – Ntufam Oreng

Prof. Patrick Nyong Asuquo – Ntufam Oseng

Mrs. Evelyn Richard Effa LSM – Ntunkae Ntuk Erong

Hon. (Ophot) Felix Akposi KSJI – Ntufam Eyegha Njim Mfam

Mrs. Josephine O. Ayamba – Ntunkae Ejik

Engr. Chris Anom – Ntufam Nchua Ojimi Ejagham

Mr. Ekpe B. Bassey – Ntufam Irunandu Onun Ekim

CP Sam Bassey Ewa – Ntufam Ntubi

Barr Francis Anom – Ntufam Ntaba Oborum Onun

Rt. Hon. Daniel Effiong Asuquo – Ntufam Ebarim

Hon. Itaya Asuquo Nyong – Ntufam Ntura Mfam

Following the title conferment, Rt. Hon. Daniel Effiong Asuquo, Ntufam Ebarim, gave a brief speech on behalf of the awardees, thanking the community for the recognition. Libations were poured, and the closing prayers were made immediately afterward.

Reception Parties

The reception parties for the awardees took place at their chosen locations. The procession accompanying Ntufam Engr. Chris Anom, President of EjT, from the event venue to his reception was a beautiful sight. He was joined by Ntufam Barr. Francis Anom Onwa. The reception parties in Mbarakom continued well into the early morning hours.

View conferment photos at EjT Gallery using the link: Conferment Of Honorary Chieftaincy Titles Of Ntufam/Ntunkae – Ejagham Tradition

All hail Atui-Ofam.

All hail Ejagham heritage.