05/09/2024
"The Crown Finds Its Prince: Akai Ubium’s New Village Head Emerges"
In a traditional spectacle befitting the chronicles of old, history was made on Wednesday, August 4, 2024, as Prince Esema J. Esema emerged victorious as the new Village Head of Akai Ubium, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. Presiding over this momentous occasion was the eminent Nsit Ubium Traditional Rulers Council (TRC) under the dignified leadership of His Eminence Ntenyin Solomon D. Etuk, Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as five contenders vied for the exalted position, each representing the pride and heritage of their lineage. But the spotlight fell squarely on Prince Esema J. Esema of Ekpuk Ikot Etopide, whose landslide victory—securing five of the six votes cast in an open ballot—was the crowning moment of the day. The decision was announced by the TRC’s Secretary, Mr. Anietie Peters, and was met with thunderous applause from all corners of the council, signaling a new dawn for Akai Ubium Village.
In the grand halls where ancestral spirits seemed to whisper through the corridors, the newly elected Village Head was formally presented to the President of Nsit Ubium TRC, His Eminence Ntenyin Solomon D. Etuk, for the official ratification of his selection. His Eminence spoke with great reverence, acknowledging the weighty responsibilities of village leadership. In a solemn pronouncement, he invoked divine blessings on Obong Esema J. Esema, marking the moment with a grace only royalty can command.
The Clan Head of Ubium, HRH Obong Ukpong Udoewah, in his own words, praised the virtues of the newly elected Village Head, offering heartfelt prayers for a reign filled with wisdom, peace, and prosperity. Chief Francis Essien, Chairman of the Village Council, could not help but attribute the fairness and peaceful nature of the selection process to divine providence, while extending thanks to the TRC for their pivotal role in making the day a reality.
But the day wasn’t without its share of tradition. Armed with the ceremonial hot drink provided by His Eminence, Chief Ibok Davies Mbak, who had served as a caretaker of Akai Ubium, returned to the village square and signaled the start of the traditional rites by ordering the sounding of the village’s big drum. Villagers gathered in their numbers, celebrating the new Village Head’s ascension with joy and pageantry, as the six Mbong Ekpuk performed the requisite rites.
Obong Esema J. Esema, now fully robed in his new title, addressed the crowd in his first speech as Village Head. He was humble and forthright, thanking God for the grace bestowed upon him and vowing to lead with integrity. He urged the people to rally together sacrificially in restoring Akai Ubium’s former glory, reminding them that, "The battle is not for the swift but by the grace of God, who giveth the crown to whom He desires."
The celebration, filled with pomp and splendor, carried on into the night as the new Village Head and his entourage made their way through the village, pausing at significant landmarks for traditional blessings. His return to the Great Esema Family Royal Palace was greeted with a ceremonial gun salute, a fitting tribute to his royal lineage. The Family Head of Nnung Ibok – Chief Edemekong Essien Esema prayed for a peaceful and prosperous reign, reminding all present that the mantle now rests on Obong Esema J. Esema, who carries the legacy of his forebears.
Born on October 1, 1966, to the Royal Esema Family, the new Village Head’s lineage is deeply intertwined with the village’s history. His father, Late Chief JD Esema, was a revered Obong Ikpaisong of Afaha Ubium, while his grandfather, Late Obong Dickson Essien Esema, ruled Akai Ubium till 1973. With such a rich ancestral heritage, the expectations on Obong Esema J. Esema are as great as the love of the people he now leads.
It was a day of culture, unity, and above all, the coronation of a leader destined to carry the flame of Akai Ubium into a new era of prosperity. As the villagers celebrated with feasts and dances, one thing was clear—Akai Ubium Village is in safe and capable hands.
Long Live Akai Ubium Village Head His Highness Obong Esema J. Esema!
Long Live Akai Ubium Village!!
Long Live Nsit Ubium TRC!!!
"The Crown Finds Its Prince: Akai Ubium’s New Village Head Emerges"
In a traditional spectacle befitting the chronicles of old, history was made on Wednesday, August 4, 2024, as Prince Esema J. Esema emerged victorious as the new Village Head of Akai Ubium, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. Presiding over this momentous occasion was the eminent Nsit Ubium Traditional Rulers Council (TRC) under the dignified leadership of His Eminence Ntenyin Solomon D. Etuk, Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as five contenders vied for the exalted position, each representing the pride and heritage of their lineage. But the spotlight fell squarely on Prince Esema J. Esema of Ekpuk Ikot Etopide, whose landslide victory—securing five of the six votes cast in an open ballot—was the crowning moment of the day. The decision was announced by the TRC’s Secretary, Mr. Anietie Peters, and was met with thunderous applause from all corners of the council, signaling a new dawn for Akai Ubium Village.
In the grand halls where ancestral spirits seemed to whisper through the corridors, the newly elected Village Head was formally presented to the President of Nsit Ubium TRC, His Eminence Ntenyin Solomon D. Etuk, for the official ratification of his selection. His Eminence spoke with great reverence, acknowledging the weighty responsibilities of village leadership. In a solemn pronouncement, he invoked divine blessings on Obong Esema J. Esema, marking the moment with a grace only royalty can command.
The Clan Head of Ubium, HRH Obong Ukpong Udoewah, in his own words, praised the virtues of the newly elected Village Head, offering heartfelt prayers for a reign filled with wisdom, peace, and prosperity. Chief Francis Essien, Chairman of the Village Council, could not help but attribute the fairness and peaceful nature of the selection process to divine providence, while extending thanks to the TRC for their pivotal role in making the day a reality.
But the day wasn’t without its share of tradition. Armed with the ceremonial hot drink provided by His Eminence, Chief Ibok Davies Mbak, who had served as a caretaker of Akai Ubium, returned to the village square and signaled the start of the traditional rites by ordering the sounding of the village’s big drum. Villagers gathered in their numbers, celebrating the new Village Head’s ascension with joy and pageantry, as the six Mbong Ekpuk performed the requisite rites.
Obong Esema J. Esema, now fully robed in his new title, addressed the crowd in his first speech as Village Head. He was humble and forthright, thanking God for the grace bestowed upon him and vowing to lead with integrity. He urged the people to rally together sacrificially in restoring Akai Ubium’s former glory, reminding them that, "The battle is not for the swift but by the grace of God, who giveth the crown to whom He desires."
The celebration, filled with pomp and splendor, carried on into the night as the new Village Head and his entourage made their way through the village, pausing at significant landmarks for traditional blessings. His return to the Great Esema Family Royal Palace was greeted with a ceremonial gun salute, a fitting tribute to his royal lineage. The Family Head of Nnung Ibok – Chief Edemekong Essien Esema prayed for a peaceful and prosperous reign, reminding all present that the mantle now rests on Obong Esema J. Esema, who carries the legacy of his forebears.
Born on October 1, 1966, to the Royal Esema Family, the new Village Head’s lineage is deeply intertwined with the village’s history. His father, Late Chief JD Esema, was a revered Obong Ikpaisong of Afaha Ubium, while his grandfather, Late Obong Dickson Essien Esema, ruled Akai Ubium till 1973. With such a rich ancestral heritage, the expectations on Obong Esema J. Esema are as great as the love of the people he now leads.
It was a day of culture, unity, and above all, the coronation of a leader destined to carry the flame of Akai Ubium into a new era of prosperity. As the villagers celebrated with feasts and dances, one thing was clear—Akai Ubium Village is in safe and capable hands.
Long Live Akai Ubium Village Head His Highness Obong Esema J. Esema!
Long Live Akai Ubium Village!!
Long Live Nsit Ubium TRC!!!
Long Live Akai Ubium Village!!
Long Live Nsit Ubium TRC!!!