[69] On the appending of the Ekpe institution to its list of secret societies, the Ekpe society was reformed and adapted to suit the needs of the Efik people. [6] The most popular historical accounts of Efik migration attest a movement from Ibom in Arochukwu to Uruan and from Uruan to numerous settlements along the lower Cross river. [65] Cannons were shot at the town and every house was levelled to the ground. [12] Due to the support of the missionaries, the Efik language became the language of religion. During weddings, the bride wears at least two different nyny. You been do very proper for we, and now we want to keep proper mouth. Social importance is attached to the highest ranks of Ekpe-men, called the Amama. In the Song of Ocol, Lawino's husband gives his side, arguing that: Ocol throws Lawino out of his house because: Ocol says that "__________________________ are chains around the neck, chains of slavery". [72] Iwewe is also regarded as a sacrificial meal often prepared for the Efik deities. Among the Southern Igbo, the Ekpe society, introduced from the Cross River area, uses contrasting masks to represent the maiden spirit and the elephant spirit, the latter representing ugliness and aggression and the former representing beauty and peacefulness. [80] Ivory bracelets (Efik: Mme) were worn by wealthy women. The Freemasonry's affiliation to the Imhotep is clearly evident and this is probably why they are accused of several conspiracy theories, since their objective is geared towards the restructuring and controlling of global affairs. Among these included Yams, Fufu and an unidentified type of black soup frequently mentioned in 19th century Old Calabar literature. The paper critically examined the Ekpe society in its indigenous form and nature prior the advent of Christianity, Western education and Western influence. Historians and archaeologists have worked to piece together the human story from prehistory up to today. Ikpaya is now worn by an Obong-elect during the traditional coronation ceremony. Proponents of this theory range from missionaries, explorers, colonial anthropologists and later historians. [47] Antia Ekot Otong is regarded as one of the descendants of the patriarch Otong Ama Ide. It proved to be the source of supreme authority in all Efik towns, and its institutions provided, in the past, the highest court whose verdicts transcended all else. "[20] Goldie describes Eburutu as a country that consists of various ethnic groups. Iwewe is a type of boiled yam mashed with a small amount of palm oil and stirred with a spoon. An entire topic will be dedicated to discussing the Ekpe society and its legacy in the near future. http://Ekpesociety.blogspot.com; www.ekpe.org; http://Ekpesocietyusa.blogspot.com; http://ndiboyevengo.blogspot.com, Ekpe Society 1st Conclave from Sept 16 to 17 2009, Ekpe DC Sessekou relaxing during the conclave, Ekpe Society members with Justice Hilman Egbe at a MECA DC meeting, Ekpe Chief Maurice Enoh's funeral in Dallas on January 27th and 28th 2012, Maurice Enoh: The 1st Manyu Ekpe USA Sessekou to die in USA, Maurice Enoh returning from his crowning ceremony as Ekpe Chief in Kepelle Village, Ekpe-USA received at the Smithsonian Museum. [22] This is further proven by Talbot who proves that other ethnicities appended the name "Eburutu" or "Oburutu" to their ethnic names. [23][24], The Oriental original is most popular among indigenous Efik historians such as E.U. [44] [72] kp lodges ruled local communities while also managing regional and long-distance trade. All Ekpe members are hereby reminded that under Ekpe custom, we do not leave the lifeless body of our warriors in the battle field, and we certainly do not leave the remains of an Ekpe chief unguarded. The Ekpe society, the regulatory society in Manyu Division also fixed a heavy fine on any defaulter. Covering, concealing, and protecting their bodies, it functions as a physical metaphor for the ideological secrecy that the Ekpe society carefully constructs and guards. In its vastness, the Ekpe is a well structured society with semi-caste characteristics, in that, there are categories and titles which one may qualify to be initiated into, while others are strictly reserved for persons of certain status and backgrounds. [61] One of such letters written by King Eyamba V and the chiefs of Old Calabar states: Now we settle treaty for not sell slave, I must tell you something, I want your Queen to do for we. [34] When the Uruan woman realised that Abasi had broken her axe, she insisted that the axe should be repaired. It is uncertain the specific year that the Efik arrived Creek Town. JavaScript is disabled. [42] K.K. It may not display this or other websites correctly. [26] Essien points out that Atakpor Uruan Inyang is one of the Efik deities and asserts that among the Uruan exists the saying "Ke Ndem Efik Iboku, Atakpor ke Ekuk", which can be interpreted to mean "Where there is the Efik deity, there is also Atakpor Uruan to share with it. That is why Sisiku Ojong Orock after consultation with the other Ekpe members and Sisiku Mfonten Mbu decided to acquire his own Nkanda Lodge in April 2003. We are about loving, encouraging, embracing, teaching, and building with black people. The society is now seen as a fraternity along the masonic lines which tries to represent the interest of Efiks. This exhibition examines the ukara cloth of the Ekpe secret society, a multi-ethnic all-male association in southeastern Nigeria and western Cameroon, exploring both the longstanding cultural practice the cloth represents and the artistic process involved in its creation. The practice and display of Ekpe masquerade have been modified. Ekpe members request nsibidi designs of personal or communal significance. (Ed.). [53] Aphrom was a corruption of Ephraim which was an anglicised form of the Efik name Efiom. Ema Atai Ema Atai, Edidem, Biop sai." This is evident in a testimony by Isaac Parker, a ship-keeper who lived at Duke town in 1765 for 5 months. [47] On the founding of Obutong, Colonial anthropologist M.D.W. The Efik are an ethnic group located primarily in southern Nigeria, in the southern part of Cross River State. Hall Fund. Essentially the leopard is a sign of royalty all over Central West Africa and the Calabar zone, and it's a symbol of their political autonomy. Sunjata's sister, Kolonkan, angers her younger brother Manding Bori when she: uses her powers to take the internal organs from animals he and his brothers killed, without cutting the animals open. Many families sent their children to European captains to teach them English and the processes involved in the international trade. Eli Bentor, Professor of Art History at Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, speaks about the history of ukara cloth and moderates a discussi. The article was a not-so-deep exploration of indigenous African writing systems and languages. Miller's current book, Voice of the Leopard (UP of Mississippi, 2008), documents the little known history of the Cuban Abaku, a mutual-aid institution derived from the Ekpe (leopard) society of the Cross River region of Nigeria and Cameroon. Aye, Originally Ekpe Fraternity was for religious purposes, but as the Calabar community became complicated owing to the new wealth which the early trade with Europeans brought it was. After the tapping process, the wine is left to ferment for five hours. Hope all is well. They came from Mbiak Creek in Ibibio country. James Beale Horton made a similar assertion in 1868 where he asserted that all the communities of the Niger-delta are traced to the Igbo. These Ngolo created the Ekpe society and invented the Nsibidi writing system in Usakadet (Isangele). [33] Abasi was angered by the Uruan woman and cursed the Uruan people who started to punish her for her insubordination. Osirica brotherhood is the root of all the mason societies, dating back around 2300 B.C. Updates? The traditional attire for men usually consists of a white long-sleeved shirt, a long broad soft neckerchief or scarf of costly material (Efik: kpmkpm) and a wrapper tied around the waist (Efik: Usobo).[83]. Collection of Eli Bentor. The economics of the society is based on paying tribute to the village ancestors. While some explorers describe the Efik as travellers who past through the Ibibio country, others assert that the Efik are of Ibibio stock. how to get a towing contract with geico university of west london ranking world university of west london ranking world These secret societies were used to uphold the legal decisions of the Council of Elders or of the community as a whole, they also ensured conformity in certain rituals and in social behaviour and undertook certain public works for the community (n.d.). The first letter of the word is correctly written as "" and denotes plurality. Cameroon's multilingual Cross River basin. Letters were also sent by King Eyo Honesty II to introduce missionaries and technocrats into the country with emphasis on the latter. Hugh, Goldie. [45] What is most certain is that the Efik arrived Creek Town led by Edidem Eyo Ema Atai together with Oku Atai Atai Ema Atai, Ukpong Atai Atai Ema Atai, Adim Atai Atai Ema Atai, Efiom Ekpo Efiom Ekpo and several others. In the case of the latter, in the heat of the confusion, villagers would be kidnapped and sent to Calabar were they were sold. [50] Okoho Efiom bore twins whose paternal parentage have often been debated. Lawino says that her husband's house is a "dark forest of _______________________". Have you ever thought about starting a secret society? ugly and deformed, but predicted to be the mother of a great king. The Efik people occupy the basins of the Lower Cross River, down to southwestern Cameroon including Bakassi, the Calabar River and down to its streams - the Kwa River, Akpayafe (Akpa Ikang) and the Eniong Creek. It was found in operation among a tribe down the coast towards Camaroons, but was improved and extended in its new field of operations.[60]. What role does religion play in society today? Abakua is an Afro-Cuban mens secret society related to the Ekpe. According to E.U. [26][28] This theory was narrated at the Hart's enquiry by Etubom Ededem Ekpenyong Oku but has been criticised by Uruan writers such as Dominic Essien. The Ogboni is a fraternity indigenous to Nigeria, Benin and Togo. Talbot asserts that a great cotton tree had fallen down on many of the Abayen and in their pride of numbers, they believed they could hold the cotton tree. The papers include photographs, audio and video recordings, publications, correspondence and printed material primarily relating to Miller's study of the linguistic, musical and ritual influence of West African kp society (predominantly in Nigeria and Cameroon) on . [45] Eyo Ema's people occupied Otung in the south of Creek Town, Adim Atai and Ukpong Atai occupied the east and Efiom Ekpo's family occupied the Adakuko in the west. The earliest accounts are narrated in the second half of the 19th century by Explorers and missionaries. Aye in 2000 does not mention the Efut as being the primary occupants. part of the Balondos or Orokos in Ndian in Southern Cameroon) and Idombi (ie present town, called Bamusso in Ndian-Southern . Prior to the inception of the transatlantic slave trade, the Efik had experienced a series of migration before their arrival along the coasts of Old Calabar. Only males can join, boys being initiated about the age of puberty. One-word searches work best.Use AND to require multiple terms: LEFT Small ukara with minute patterned design and Omu Aro symbol. [81] Several periods have been estimated by foreign scholars and indigenous historians. [32] The Efik having pity on these men gave them food and showed them hospitality. On behalf of Ekpe-USA Leadership, I hereby remind every member of Ngbe who has taken the aoth that our fathers and great grand fathers took to uphold those sacred traditions and beliefs, to immediately start preparations to do what they must do to send our brother to join our ancestors. Another theory narrated by Chief Efiom Obo Effanga of Obutong asserts that Antia Ekot Otong founded Obutong. History The Ekoi people, while all speaking the same language, have not tended to live in complete unison. The symbols are arranged in a grid, giving the cloths an orderly, symmetrical quality that is often reinforced by repeated patterns. society to its Caribbean incarnation, which has deeply influenced Cuba's creative energy and popular consciousness. [49] Several events at Creek town later led to a wave of migration from Creek town to Duke town. Ekpe Society Emblem, Ejaham, Cameroon Dog Fetish, Vili, Congo Mlbuya (sickness) mask, Pende, Zaire Nimba Mask, Baga, Guinea Picasso Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, 1907 Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, 1907 (detail) Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, 1907 (detail) Bust of a Woman, 1931 Tte de taureau (Bull's Head), 1942 La chvre (The goat) 1950 Other references To be a member, one must be a part of Yoruba nobility. Residents in Ekpe villages often go to the group to help them seek justice when theyve been wronged. Group members would disguise themselves as leopards, wearing leopard skins, carrying claw-like weapons, and attacking their prey. quickly adapted to fulfil other economic and civil functions. At its peak, it permeated the social, economic and political life of the Efiks but lately its dominance has been eroded as urbanization and modern political administration expanded. Membership in the Ekpe (Egbo), or Leopard, society, for example, available to wealthy men who can meet the expense involved, confers high social status and political authority; these men participate in ceremonies concerned with ancestral spirits and are believed to protect the community through magic and religious ritual. Cameroon-Nigeria Relations, 1884-1961: A Study in Political, Economic and Social Interactions Between Two Nigerian Neighbouring States. Instead, each settlement had its own lodge of the initiation society called kp, or "leopard," which was the highest indigenous authority. The Oroko (also Bareka/Batekka) are an ethnic group in Cameroon.They belong to the coastal Bantu group, widely known as Sawa, and primarily occupy the Ndian and Meme divisions of the Southwest Region of Cameroon.The people predominantly speak Oroko, English, and Cameroon Pidgin English.The Oroko are related to several ethnic groups (or tribes) in Cameroon's coastal areas, with whom they share . By the 18th and 19th centuries, the Efik strategy for filling the international demand for slaves was via obtaining slaves from inland slave traders such as Eniong, Ndokki and Arochukwu. ________. Children of Efik maternal descent are still regarded as Efik and have contributed to the development of the Efik society. I was very poorno job and I has no money to even feed and take care of myfamily I was confuse in life I dont know what to do I try allmy possible best to get money but no one work out for meeach day I share tears, I was just looking out my family nomoney to take care of them until one day I decided to jointhe great Illuminati , I come across them in the internet Inever believe I said let me try I email them.all what theysaid we happen in my life just started it was like a dream tome they really change my story totally . The Ekpe society most likely originated among the Efik people of southern Nigeria and from there spread across other tribes and language groups in Southern Nigeria. Imbued with transcendental aura, ukara conveys the sacrality and prestige of the Ekpe secret society. Membership in the Ekpe (Egbo), or Leopard, society, for example, available to wealthy men who can meet the expense involved, confers high social status and political authority; these men participate in ceremonies concerned with ancestral spirits and are believed to protect the community through magic and religious ritual. In this light, the Cameroon National Council of Traditional Rulers would be a welcomed . Black Spirituality / Religion - General Discussion, http://odinanilawsofnature.wordpress.com/2010/11/10/finding-god-in-nature/, http://tourismafricana.com/origin-history-ekpe-soceity.html. Photo by Jordan Fenton. . The Efik are an ethnic group located primarily in southern Nigeria, and western Cameroon. [41] Latham hypothesizes that the Efik may have arrived before the middle of the seventeenth century. Another account from the Qua claimed that Ekpe (Mgbe) migrated from Cameroon. [11] Ibonda (an Efut clan) has sometimes been appended to Adiabo as one of the seven Efik clans. LEFT Ezillo man drawing a grid pattern to be filled with nsibidi designs, Ezillo, southeastern Nigeria. Charles Ekpo Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Nigeria The Cross River region is a vast socio-cultural mosaic which accommodates peoples of distinct ethnic, religious, social, economic and. by Web Services Editor. There are said to be at least three mass migration from Ndodoghi. [16] Baikie said Ibibio are traced to the Igbo. The earliest documented letter to an English captain from a chief of Old Calabar was written in 1770. The dress is often worn with ornaments such as necklaces and earrings made of coral beads. He views the Cuban initiation system known as Abaku, which was based on kp society, as a collective way for African descendants to maintain their historical memory. [40] The outcome of the fall of the tree led to several deaths in their clan. The term "Calabar people" was particularly popular prior to the nineteenth century and was synonymous to the Efik.[6]. In a Somali tale, the main character, Eghal Shillet, is: a braggart and coward who finds every possible excuse to avoid going into battle. Opinions expressed belong solely to the author and do not represent the views of other Members, Management, or the Community at large. ekpe society cameroon. [66] The Osirica is a black Egyptian masonic order that existed in ancient Egypt. No disrespect allowed. Several accounts have been given on the migration from Creek town to Obutong. [70] Several meals were composed of yam such as Usu abia, Iwk abia, Afia abia, sb abia, Edifrai abia and fp abia. With the inception of the transatlantic slave trade, a number of foreign clothes were introduced into Efik society. Other trading items sold by the Efik included rubber, ivory, barwood and redwood. The Efik also manufacture a number of beverages such as Mmn Efik (Palm wine), Uffp (Native gin), Lemon grass tea (Nnyannyaa), Mmn Eyop (Eyop wine). [52] The Captains wrote the acting consul who was stationed at Fernando Po. Ivor Miller: The voice of the leopard is the main symbol of the Ekpe society of the Cross River region ofNigeria and Cameroon, which was re-created in colonial Cuba as the Abaku society. Ndibo Yevengo- Abakua & Ekpe events; Cuba-Calabar Radio . Internal details about the membership and brotherhood demands of this ancient group is supposedly a top secret known only to the members. Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations "Hakuna Matata" (No More Worries) - Integrating Indigenous Systems of Conflict Resolution into the Formal System of Government Administration in Cameroon: Case Study of the Ekpe Society of Manyu Division Stephen O. Agbor, Nova Southeastern University Follow Date of Award 2017 The design is left to the discretion of the Ezillo creators, who are not Ekpe members and do not know the meanings of nsibidi. The process of creating this richly symbolic cloth is laborious. [82] The Portuguese are said to have arrived in masted ships. Here is a list of some of Africa's most prominent cults of all time: The Ekpe is a secret society that lives mostly in Nigeria and whose members are typically law enforcers and politicians. Nigeria and Cameroon (Lebialem and Manyu), Ekpe Society Resolutions from meeting held on September 16th 2011 in DC, Auto-Biography of Sisiku Emmanuel Ojong-Orock, Leader of Cameroonian Ekpe Lodge in Metropolitan DC. In the culture we have discussed, the term jamu refers to: each person's family name, which connects the person to a famous character in the story of Sunjata. [9][38] The Adiabo group is believed to have left to their present location after the Mbiabo exodus. According to Simmons, "Most Informants maintain that the first people to Inhabit Creek Town were Efut fishermen from the southern Cameroons. Several accounts have been narrated on the migration of the Efik before their arrival at Old Calabar. The most popular migration account within the Nigerian space asserts that the Efik people lived at Ibom in the present-day Arochukwu and migrated from Ibom to Uruan. [33][35] The Efik came to her defence and the dispute escalataed[34] Legend has it that this was the last straw that led to the Uruan-Efik war (known in Efik as Ek Abasi-Anwan) which led to the exit of the Efik from the Uruan country. The masquerade tradition itself is most popular in Calabar and the Oron nation of Udung-Ukko, Mbo, Urue-Offong Oruko, Okobo, as well as the Eket and Uruan local government areas in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria, and even western Cameroon. The Ekpe society may be regarded as one of the most important institutions among the Efik people. According to Parker, When there, Dick Ebro' asking him to go to war with him, he complied, and accordingly having sitted out and armed the canoes, they went up the river, lying under the bushes in the day when they came near a village; and at night flying up to the village, and taking hold of every one they could see. Enyi laja na lasha b nyeere ha aka idi nsogbu nd baara ha. The Ekpe Society is a religious and cultural institution among the Efik people, it can also be found among the Annang and the Ibibios. The Ekpe was vested with the powers of policing and bringing justice to the Efik kingdom. Jeffreys states that a disruption among the Okobo around the town of Ekeya in the Eket district led to the founding of Obutong. Powered by, Ukara cloth detail, Etara community, Cross River State, Nigeria, Cross River Cultural Heritage: reports from home and from the African Diaspora, Introduction: Spirit Dancers, Water Deities & Mystics in the Cross River Basin and in Cuba, Upcoming film project: Seven year kp ritual cycle, Ntufam Bob Oku literature, music and drawings, Calabar Mgb International Journal / Revista Internacional, Calabar-Cuba Radio with Ene Ita and Ivor Miller, Manyu kp Funeral Rites in Yaounde, 2019, Ivor Miller research archive at Amherst College, Manyu kp procession in Yaound, March 29, 2019, Poster for funeral of Seseku Stephen Tataw (1948-2019), Tortoise shell instrument is played in the funerary procession, kp mask purifies the hearse before the procession begins, Funerary shrine representing the sacred forest of kp, kp members surround the shrine for the final rites. [47] At the time of their exit from Creek town, the reigning monarch of Creek town was their half brother Oku Atai Atai Ema Atai. [51] The Enwang people who were fishing at Duke town saw the twins approaching and fled in terror saying "Mbiomo oduk ine"(English: A curse has befalling our fishing sites). The economics of the society is based on paying tribute to the village ancestors. [36] and Dahomean towns, and among the tribes of Congo and the Cameroon.17 According to the same author, Ngbe, was another society influenced by the Ekoi and originally considered Egb [Ekp]. What I want for dollar side is a fine coat and sword all same I tell you and the rest in copper rods. These they handcuffed, brought down to the canoes, and so proceeded up the river, till they got to the amount of 45, with whom they returned to New town, where sending to the captains of the shipping, they divided them among the ships.[56]. These lettere were heeded to and in April 1846, the first missionaries arrived Old Calabar. Oge ruru ka laja nyefee lasha r ya ma gaa rwa r e nyere ya ebe z. (Multiple Deaths at Ndodoghi creek, Ema Atai Ema Atai, Priest-king, lost his sight in death). [19], The Ibibio origin of the Efik is one of the most popular among scholars. [54] The name "Agbisherea" (also known as Egbosherry) appended in the names of the two kings listed by Barbot, was the name of the country, on the coast of which they traded from. The group believes that when they eat human flesh, they gain the ability to transform into a crocodile. Ikpa Ene was a virgin island on the banks of the Cross river. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! The instruments above are particularly important to our study of the Sunjata because: they are the traditional instruments of the jeliw who tell the story in public performance. [51] Due to the custom of killing twins, Edem Efiom is said to have aided Okoho Efiom in sneaking out of Creek town to Nsutana. Due to the role they played during the era of the triangular trade, their prominence in literature and art, there has been a lot of academic scholarship on the people. of Bamum, of Cameroon in his kingly attire seated on the throne with his chiefs flanked round him (Plate 2). Ekpe means leopard, not lion. I hope some Man-of-War come sometime with proper captain all same you look out and help we keep word when French Man-of-War come. According to Asuquo, Asibong Eso of Obutong was Old King Robin; Ekpenyong Efa of Adiabo was King John; Ani Eniang Nkot of Mbiabo Ikoneto was Robin King Agbisherea; Oku Ukpong Eton Ani of Mbiabo Ikot Offiong was William King Agbisherea; while Ukorebi Neneng Esien Ndem Ndem of Obomitiat Ikoneto was King Ebrero[55]. The cloth is traditionally used as either a wrapper, worn by high- ranking members of Ekpe group who often . Hope Waddell, Foreign commerce soon brought Calabar affairs into such a state, that the want of a bond of union among the different families, and of a supreme authority to enforce peace and order between equals and rivals, became apparent; and the Egbo institution was adopted. Among these secret societies were Ekpe, Obon and Nsibidi. Among those who migrated with the Ngolo were various other nations who would later become part of the Oroko ethnic group. Ekpe cult, the leopard cult, and a male masquerade cult of the Efik, in cross river state of Nigeria, followed by Doomsday cult (prediction of total destruction of planet earth), then the. [5] The Efik refer to themselves as Efik Eburutu, Ifa Ibom, Eburutu and Iboku. [48] Jeffreys theory is unpopular with a large majority of the Efik. Original African systems of recording information in symbols include the Nsibidi script, of the Ekpe society of the Ejagham of Cameroon and Nigeria. The society is not a 'secret society or a cult,'3 what is secret is the representations of its emblem in material symbol - the ekpe stone and the nsibidi (sign language). Write the meaning in the blank. Barbot documents that between 1698 and 1699, payments for provisions were made at Calabar to the following chiefs; Duke Aphrom, King Robin, Mettinon, King Ebrero, King John, King Oyo, William King Agbisherea, Robin King Agbisherea, and Old King Robin. [14], The name "Efik" translates to "Oppressors" and is derived from the Efik-Ibibio verb root "Fik" (English: Oppress). Abaku is an Afro-Cuban men's initiatory fraternity, or secret society, which originated from the Ekpe society in the Cross River region of southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon. According to him . [51] The Enwang people moved to the present site of Henshaw town.[51]. Also i want bomb and shell. One account narrates that the Mbiabo group left first to their present location while the Iboku, Enwang and other clans were still at Ndodoghi. In part because of their appropriation, exclusive use, and understanding of nsibidi, Ekpe members in the pre-colonial past were thought to have access to the spiritual realm and were, therefore, empowered to make and enforce societal rules and norms. For instance any member wronged in an Ekpe district, that is one dominated by the society, has only to address an Ekpe-man or beat the Ekpe drum in the Ekpe-house, or blow Ekpe as it is called, i.e., sound the Ekpe horn, before the hut of the wrong-doer, and the whole machinery of the society is put in force to see justice done. The Efik language also borrows words from other ethnic groups such as Balondo, Oron, Efut, Okoyong, Efiat and Ekoi (Qua). [77] The fibre of the leaf-stalk of a palm was made into a thread and woven to make clothes and bags. [11] The bulk of the Enwang and Usukakpa are located in the present-day Akwa Ibom state.
