A paternal first cousin to the queen of England Queen Elizabeth II has been given the titled of Adaidaha of Efik Eburutu.
Prince Michael Franklin was given the titled by the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, a Treaty King and Grand Patriarch of the Efik Kingdom.
Also the president of Brazzaville Foundation, Mr. Johnnie Olivier was given the same title as a recognition of his contribution in global peace initiatives.
Accompanied to the palace of the Obong by the former governor of Cross River state, Donald Duke; the former presidential adviser, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa and the chief executive officer of Henshaw Capital Partners, Barbara Etim-James, the duo received certificates and sceptres for their titles.
Speaking during the grand ceremony, the Obong said, the conferment of the title is a reminder of the relationship between the Efik people and Britain.
He also urged the recipients to display their certificates and scepters to the English monarch.
Also speaking, Duke said: “There is hardly any peace move in the continent of Africa that Olivier does not work behind the scene. He finds alternative solutions to conflict resolution. Played crucial role in South Africa during the apartheid era and was involved. Prince Franklin is his ally.”
The chairman of Obong of Calabar Executive Forum, Asuquo Ekpenyong, said the conferment is a re-enactment of the relationship between the Efik and Britain.
“The event is significant. It is not too common to confer an Efik title on foreigners. It is a re-enactment of the relationship between the Efik, Britain and peace. What we have seen is going to bring to the Efik and its people a positive relationship. We have by this shown that we still recall the past,” Ekpenyong said.
