Efik People of Nigeria Reunite in America!

Thirteen Years of Animosity end with a Unified Organization, Colorful Convention, and New Executives 

By Eyobong Ita

Diaspora Gazette

Julie and Nina couldn’t wait to be in Detroit. The two sisters packed their suitcases in their respective Minnesota homes in Minnetonka and Brooklyn Park and headed to the Motor City of America. At the same time in the city of Kitchener in the Canadian province of Ontario, 13-year-old Amanam Eyoita felt the same excitement about going to Detroit. He and his mom, Blessing Akpan, packed their luggage and headed to Detroit. Those four were among hundreds of celebrants from Nigeria, Canada, the United Kingdom and all over the United States at the Efik Unified Convention that started Thursday with a Welcome Party and ended Sunday with a colorful fundraising gala that showcased some of the most beautiful ceremonial attires and colorful cultural dances of the Efik people of Calabar in South Eastern Nigeria.

Sisters Nina Effiom (left) and Julie Akindemowo (right) reunite with their cousin, Nora Henshaw after 30 years.

“It gave me a feel of home; I thought I was in Calabar,” said Nina Effiom, a medical device specialist who with her sister, Julie, were attending the diaspora celebration of unity and culture of the Efik Kingdom for the first time. The convention gave the sisters more than home feeling.

“We were able to see our cousin after about 30 years,” Julie Akindemowo, a registered nurse, said of Nora Henshaw, whom she and Nina met at the convention.

“We talked over the phone for a long time until we lost contact, so this was a family reunion of sort,” said Nora, a registered nurse in Dallas, Texas. “Coming together as one people feels very good; it’s something I’ve always wanted because we are not many.”

 Split over Traditional Titles

 This year’s convention was a historic celebration. The event marked the end of 13 years of acrimony that started with the selection of five people to be honored by the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, natural ruler and Treaty King of the Efik people of Nigeria. The selection of the honorees in 2011 by then President Paul Duke for the prestigious Efik title of “Ada Idagha Ke Efik Eburutu” (Titled Personalities in Efik Kingdom) sparked protests by some members of the organization. led by Duke’s hand-picked Chairman of the Board of Directors, Late Prof. Asuquo Ukpong. The brouhaha split the Efik National Association, Inc. into factions, followed by defamatory statements against some members, and multiple lawsuits. The unity and peace within the Efik community in America were shattered. For more than a decade, each group claimed to be the authentic organization. Every last week of July, each group held its annual convention in different cities simultaneously. Early efforts to reconcile the two groups and reunite the community failed. The realistic journey towards reconciliation and reunification lasted two years. It started with a reconciliation agreement in 2022, followed by a successful reconciliatory joint convention of both groups in Houston last year.  

“It was very slow at first because there were people still reluctant and suspicious of efforts to come back together, said Richard Henshaw, a retired detective at the Boston Police Department in Massachusetts. Henshaw was initially tasked with moderating the talks towards reconciliation and reunification, but later appointed as Chairman of the Transition Oversight Committee (TOC) tasked with implementing a smooth transition from two organizations to one united group. “They were still nursing the wounds that were inflicted on them, so they were not trusting of the forgiving process in which both sides had to agree to forgive the other side of the abuses they had endured.”

Sen. (Princess) Florence Ita-Giwa
Chairperson of the Efik Unified Convention Gala

At some point during the reunification talks, there was an impasse over the name of the organization and its proposed leadership structure. One group, EfikUSA, proposed the adoption of a 1997 Bylaws of the original organization, including the original name of the organization – Efik National Association, Inc. The other group, ENA, accepted that proposal and in turn requested that the new organization should have a Board of Directors that would have oversight and decision-making authority over the elected president and other executive officers. When EfikUSA did not immediately accept that proposal and failed to show up for its proposed “stakeholders” meeting, all hell broke loose. At a town hall meeting in January, ENA threatened to end the negotiations with EfikUSA and opted to resume its separate convention, which was placed on hold in anticipation of a unified convention. That development gave birth to “Concerned Citizens for Efik Unity,” a group of members hurriedly assembled to pressure both factions to resume negotiations and find common grounds or face massive boycott of any separate convention by any of the groups. Within a week, both groups resumed talks and the impasse was resolved.

The initial choice of Lansing – the capital city of the state of Michigan – met heavy pushback by Next Gen, the young adults in the two organizations, who preferred Detroit. They made a compelling case and the organizers switched the convention venue from Lansing to Detroit.

“Including Next Gen in organizing the unified convention is a fantastic move,” said Chris Ekpiken,” one of the leading Next Generation advocates for Detroit as convention venue, who later became co-chair of the event’s Planning Committee. “It makes sure we’re getting fresh, young perspectives and ideas in the planning stages; this can really boost innovation, flexibility, and get people of different ages more engaged.”

The change in venue ignited more interest among the Next Gen members of the organization, but with Detroit as the new venue, organizers had to start from scratch to plan the convention and the clock was ticking fast.

“Convention normally takes about eight months or so to plan, but we had two to three months to get a hotel that will accommodate all our guests, two to three months to get a picnic site, and two to three months to get a Welcome Party site, so it was basically two months of putting all the plans in place,” said Vivienne Asuquo, Maryland-based chairperson of the Convention Planning Committee.

The Reunification

Any doubt about the reunification of the two organizations evaporated about two weeks to this year’s Unified Convention when the boards of the two organizations adopted voluntary resolutions to dissolve and their members voted in support of the dissolution resolutions. The dissolutions cleared the way for members of the defunct organizations to belong to the original organization before the split – Efik National Association, Inc. The election and subsequent swearing-in of the new executives of the unified organization marked a new dawn for Efik people in the United States.

“Twelve years is a long time to have remained divided under organizations that were often antagonistic to each other,” said Dr. Eka Esu Williams, Virginia-based internationally renowned AIDS researcher. “It is so heartwarming that as Efik people we were able to overcome our differences and come together.” 

Stella Bassey-Amedu, New Jersey based businesswoman, said the Efik people must rise above pettiness and jealousy.

“May we as a people not let the enemy sow discord, bitterness and hatred in our hearts against each other again,” Bassey-Amedu said. “Let this harmonious coming together be forever, passed on from generation to generation in Jesus’ name.”

The euphoria of the joint convention in Houston served as a booster for many celebrants to look forward to Detroit, which, as usual, began with a colorful Welcome Party hosted by Great Lakes Efik Association of North America at Kola Restaurant & Ultra Lounge, followed by a picnic. Besides the fun and drinks, one fun event featured kids and teenagers in a sprint with both legs trapped inside a bag. Another event had them in a 20-meter race carrying eggs on tea spoons. The winners had to reach the finishing line without the eggs dropping from the spoons.

“I enjoyed this year’s picnic more than last year because the children were involved and the races were so much fun to watch,” said Efioita Ephraim, Nigerian-based maritime attorney who, with wife Lovina, arrived from Lagos to participate in the convention. “The Welcome Party last year was better, but the gala night this year was better organized; people had more time to eat and dance and the cultural dances were more colorful and they had more time to display.”

The Gala

Organizers were forced to cancel the youth program on Friday due to power failure at Four Points at Sheraton Detroit Novi hotel, which was to host the Mr. & Miss Efik Diaspora Pageant, and other youth activities that appealed to teenagers in the organization. 

The disappointment did not dampen the enthusiasm of the livestreamed gala event, which began with an hour-long Red Carpet interviews with arriving guests hosted by Pastor Eyobong Ita and Eunice Eyamba. The women were elegantly dressed in flowing, regal, uniquely Efik gowns called Onyonyo, beautiful neck beads known as “nkwa itong,” assorted unique head ties called “gele” and matching shoes and purses. The men showed up in assorted damask and other colorful wrappers – usobo or ofong isin – culturally tied around their waist, long and short traditional ties known as “okpomkpom,” and matching waist coats, shoes and hats. Elderly and titled men also walked with wooden canes or “esang” to show off their status.

The main event began with a village-style Town Crier announcement of the program by Godwin Effiom Edet, who joined Pastor Ita to co-host the event. The pair kept attendees laughing throughout the night.

Vivienne Asuquo
Chairperson, Efik Unified Convention Planning Committee

Blessing Jolie, RCA recording artist of the Girl Next Door fame, wowed the audience with her rendition of the American and Nigerian national anthems while Muri Eyo Inyang poured libation to give the event a traditional flair. 

Senator (Princess) Florence Ita-Giwa, the chairperson of the occasion who arrived from Nigeria for the event, recalled a brief history of the Efiks and left the audience with one important message: “We must love each other and marry ourselves.” 

Ita-Giwa, a former senator once married to the celebrated late journalist, Dele Giwa, is one of the most recognizable names in Nigeria. With a presidential honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and a traditional recognition in Efik Kingdom as Eka Iban Ke Essien Efik Duopeba – the mother of all Efik women – Ita-Giwa was heralded into the hall with a dance by several Efik women in their traditional Onyonyo attires. At the function, she spoke on love and marriage, emphasizing that Efik men and women should marry one another and keep marriages within Efik families.

Crowd erupts for Ekpe, other Cultural Dances

Escorting Sen. Ita-Giwa into the convention hall with a traditional dance was an appetizer of the night’s entertainment. Asian Ekporoko featuring Matthews, Stephanie and Desmond opened the floor to warm up the crowd, followed by Abang and Akpan featuring with Sandy and Maryann. When the quartet of Praise, Anietie, Amaku and Ikpeme Jr. stepped out with Ekomo Iba, the crowd rose and surged forward, unable to maintain their seats. By the time Okukim and Itit stepped out, the crowd was charged. 

Wait, there was more! 

Moninkim, a colorful female performance featuring Georgina, Agatha and Amaku also graced the occasion, followed by Nnabo with Ukwa. An all-male performance with Chief Dr. Chris Effiong leading the way, the usually wild and intimidating Nnabo, with Ukwa dancers performing with machetes, did not disappoint. Next came Nkugho, a romantic maiden dance drama led by the “mother of the bride,” Dr. Grace Inyang, with her beautiful daughter, Mary featuring as Nkugho, the bride. The beautiful performance of nkugho (the bride) and her potential groom, Ejiro, kept the crowd on its feet.

In between the cultural dance performances, convention attendees took the dance floor and rocked the night away with a mix of old school and latest dancehall music. 

Of all the cultural performances, it was obvious that everyone was waiting for the king of them all – Ekpe! Shortly after 2am Sunday, four Ekpe masquerades finally emerged.

Ekpe masquerades steal the show with a memorable performance.

The crowd went bonkers!

Ayoooooo! Ayoooooo! 

That celebratory shout was endless. Hundreds of women lost their voices from cheering and dancing along. The Ekpe performance was breathtaking!

“It was awesome, I cannot tell you the last time I saw Ekpe live; it’s probably 40 years,” said Julie, unable to contain her excitement days after the event.

“Ah, as for me, it was all about the Ekpe,” her sister, Nina, echoed her exhilaration. “Ekpe is what brought me to the convention and I was not disappointed at all.”

By the end of the gala, Convention Chair Vivienne had lost her voice. She credits her planning team and the Transition Oversight Committee for pulling off such a successful event within such a short period.

“It was a challenge and we succeeded in giving our guests one of the best ever Efik National Conventions in the United States of America,” Asuquo said. “And we were able to stream the event live, which has never happened in the history of the organization.”

Several key players of the reunification were expectedly ecstatic about the coming together of Efik community in the United States.

“Indeed, we are together again, we are re-unified as one noble Efik family, vigorously striving for the very existence and survival of our Efik Kingdom and dedicated to the pursuit of the common good of the Efik people,” said Dr. Rosy Affiong Rowan, an attorney and immediate past president of the defunct EfikUSA, adding that she had one mission when she campaigned for president two years ago – to end the twelve years of divisiveness and acrimony.no matter the gamble. “To be gathered under the same roof, hoisting the same banner of reunification, peace and love today is a gratifying and spiritual experience; to embrace the same destiny is subliminal!”

Mr. Emmanuel Nsemoh, immediate past president of the equally defunct ENA, agrees.

“The community’s desire for unity was overwhelming, and as a servant of the community, I had no choice but to accept and implement their will,” Nsemoh said. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude and thank God that we have achieved this special moment of peace and unity in the history of our Efik organization in America; I believe this milestone marks the beginning of greater progress and advancement for our Efik culture.”

Det. Richard Henshaw, TOC Chairman with his wife, Dr. Nsa Henshaw

Chief Efiom Eyo Ita said the convention was a fun-filled event.

“I was so excited that it finally happened,” said Ita, a Houston-based pilot. “We must make sure that we don’t have any more problems.”

Dr. Liz Trimnell, a veteran of Efik conventions and volunteer consultant to the convention planning committee, said the event was wonderful and she was excited about the future of the organization. She, however, recalled that the reunification was not easy to achieve.

“There were times when it was very challenging, we were so drastically different in what we were asking for, what we felt would be best for the organization,” said Trimnell, a former convention planning chairperson and the immediate past vice president of the defunct EfikUSA. “There were times that everybody was ready to throw up their hands and walk away, but we thank God that everything worked out well eventually.”

Bassey Effiom, Columbus, Ohio-based attendee, agreed that God deserves the glory for reuniting Efik people after such a long period of separation.

“For more than a decade, this is what I’ve been waiting for because I was tired of the division; every July we had two Efik National Conventions, which was not necessary at all,” Effiom said. “We thank God for the people He used to bring this unity for Efik as a whole and we saw the result in Detroit as the convention was very unique and very special.”

For Houston-based Edwin Esin, the convention was an epoch-making, breathtaking, historic event.

“For me personally, that was the best convention I’ve ever attended; I was so proud and so happy to have been part of the planning,” said Esin, chairman of the convention’s cultural sub-committee that coordinated all the amazing cultural dances. “I’m so happy that today we are one community, one family, one association, one goal, one objective, which is to empower our people and create positive impact both here in America and back home in Nigeria, which is the core mandate of Efik National Association.”

One Love was the mantra of Prof. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua, the keynote speaker who preceded her “Unity imperative” speech with Bob Marley’s “One Love” reunification song. She anchored her address on four core values – Community, Connectedness, Compassion, and Courage.

“It is an absolute imperative that we are united; we have no choice but to remain and stay united…because when we are united, we can break barriers, shattered glass ceilings, innovate and really be at the frontier of leadership worldwide,” said Prof. Ekeng-Itua, globally acclaimed as the first black woman to have earned a Ph.D. in Cybernetics. 

“Growing up, my parents taught me that the Efiks do things in unique ways, so I say that our differences should bring us together and our diversity is our strength.”

The gala also featured the swearing-in of the newly elected executives of the unified organization. Itu Otu, Dr. Sandy-Asari Hogan and Maryann Tommey were sworn-in as president, vice president and secretary, respectively. No candidate filed for other positions.

“The future of the new Efik national association Inc. is bright, promising, and poised for growth and transformation,” said Itu Otu, the new president of the organization. “Many members I have spoken with are so excited about this new venture and have pledged engagement; the increased energy, passion and commitment by our next gen to the success of the association is palpable which gives me great hope and comfort to know that Efik National association and our proud culture and heritage will be in good hands.”

Dr. Sandy-Asari Hogan, agrees that Next Gen is the future of the organization but that they have to work with the elders. 

“Next Gen engagement and leadership is an opportunity to realize organizational sustainability and innovation,” said Dr. Hogan, a prominent Next Gen member and the new vice president of the organization. “This convention is prime example of Next Gen leadership, foresight and collaboration with some of our seasoned leaders.” 

Atai Nyambi, a founding member of the revamped Efik National Association, sounded a note of caution that the incoming president should be willing to listen to the people and not one to decide on major issues.

“There has to be a Board that is committed to redirecting the President back to doing the people’s work and not what he or she wants; a President that is willing to listen to different suggestions and ideas, even if he or she does not agree with them,” Nyambi, the immediate past chairman of the defunct ENA Board opined before the new president was announced. “The last thing we want is a ‘runaway train!’ We have to work on loving each other and trusting each other again. It’s going to take time, but we can do it! We are brothers and sisters.”

Prof. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua
Keynote Speaker

Dr. Grace Inyang, Maryland-based board-certified psychiatrist who lost a close race for president of the organization by just two votes, also sees a promising future for the organization.

“I see a stellar organization that depicts everything about the Efik people,” Dr. Inyang said. “I see members across age groups who are active and engaged in the activities of this organization; I see the Efik culture, language, customs and values being taught and practiced here in the diaspora; this will create a feeling of belonging to all Efik sons and daughters with their families.”

When Julie and Nina returned to their Minnesota homes, Nina echoed the sentiments of many of the unified convention participants:

“I’m not missing another convention.”

Eyobong Ita is the Executive Editor of Diaspora Gazette. He can be reached at itae@diasporagazette.com.

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