KINGSLEY EBERE
It was an atmosphere of excitement at Valentine Obasi Street, Ejigbo area of Lagos, as the Akwa Ibom community converged for the coronation of Chief Monday Bassey as the first Obong of the community in the State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the new king, Obong Bassey, was unanimously nominated and crowned the king of Ejigbo Kingdom by the Elders Council in conjunction with almost the entire Akwa Ibom community on 30th September, 2023.
Many dignitaries within and outside Lagos including the Oba of Ejigbo was represented and Akwa Ibom State Government through their liaison office was present for the installation of Obong Bassey as the new king.
Speaking on the coronation, Obong Bassey stated that he did not aspire to be the king but he was chosen by the community due to his track record over the years for speaking out for his people especially the less privileged among them.
He explained that he accepted the offer after due consultation with God and members of his family. And the reason for his acceptance is to bring Akwa Ibom people living in the area together in order to pursue common goal of fostering peace and unity and by extension live in harmony with the owners of the land and other ethnic groups in the State.
He stated that his primary duties included upholding the tradition and culture of Akwa Ibom people as their king, bringing peace and ensuring the welfare of his people, which is paramount to him.
He promised to lead Akwa Ibom people with the fear of God and will never betray the confidence reposed on him by his people. He enjoined his people to give him every support because as their king, he cannot do it along.
Obong Monday Bassey explained that he has actually started the mobilization of all the Akwa Ibom men and women to bring them under one umbrella in order to work for the progress of all.
He thanked the Oba of Ejigbo, HRM Oba Ojoola, for his support and promised to always consult him on matters that affect his people and the entire Ejigbo community while pledging his loyalty to the Oba as the owner of the land.
He also commended the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for what the State Government has been doing to transform the State to a mega city and promised the total support of the Akwa Ibom community in Ejigbo for the governing party, the APC, right from the Ward, Local Government and State levels.