Archibong I

Archibong I (Efio-Okoho Asibong Ekpo Efiom Okoho Efiom Ekpo Efiom Ekpo) also known as Archibong Duke was the Obong of Calabar from 28 May 1849 to 4 February 1852. Born as Efio-Okoho, he was named after his Great Grandfather Efiom Okoho. His father was Asibong Ekpo and his mother was Obuma.

Selection for Kingship After the death of Eyamba V on May 14, 1847, there was an interregnum of almost two years. A few months later, several persons declared their interest in filling the stool of the Obong of Calabar. Among the candidates were Ntiero Ekpenyong Ofiong Okoho (King Eyamba V's brother who was popularly known as Mr Young), Edem-Odo Edem Ekpo (Duke Ephraim), and Efio-Okoho Asibong Ekpo (Archibong Duke). However, the old system of having two separate dominions was retained. Although, Oku argues that though King Eyo Honesty II was the son of Chief Eyo Nsa, he was equally the son of Princess Inyang Esien Ekpe and was equally eligible via his maternal lineage. Reverend Anderson gives the following account of Efio-Okoho's Selection stating:

After a good deal of deliberation it was considered that for his superior wealth, extensive trade and connection with the original family (Duke Ephraim's line) Archibong Duke is the proper successor to Eyamba and rightful king of Duke Town[...]All the shipmasters voted Archibong as king; Mr Edgerley and I, the only missionaries present, did not vote at all. From Mr Young’s age, ability, and influence, it was agreed that he be recognised as premier. The meeting was held in our school room; and Lieutenant Selwyn having got all the information he wanted, at his request I sent for Archibong and Mr Young. Both came attended by large retinues. None were allowed to enter the schoolroom but the two chiefs[...] After a little talk, Mr Young gave up all claims to the Kingship and accepted the premiership[...] Furthermore, Ntiero held an office similar to Prime Minister of state during King Archibong's reign. Although, the two men never agreed with regard to policy and held contradicting views over political and social issues. Consul Hutchinson describes Archibong I stating,[...]the king was one of the most extraordinary specimens of sable humanity I ever met. He could neither read nor write the English language, but spoke it in a very imperfect gabble; and, go to his house whenever you would, he was nearly always in that condition in which he might be expected to agree with the sentiment of Sancho Panza, "Blessings on the man who first invented sleep." Hope Waddell is said to have written of him stating, "Kingship sat very easily of him". Death King Archibong I died on 4 February 1852. On the death of King Archibong I, succession disputes arose and several people were accused of having a hand in his death. King Archibong's mother known as Obuma accused several persons of having a hand in her son's death and forced them to take the dreaded Esere bean nut. The entire ordeal was halted when Mr Young insisted that Obuma must equally undergo the ordeal. boxstyle_1=background-color: #fcc; boxstyle_2=background-color: #fb9; boxstyle_3=background-color: #ffc; boxstyle_4=background-color: #bfc; 1= 1. Archibong I 2= 2. Asibong Ekpo 3= 3. Obuma 4= 4. Ekpo Efiom 8= 5. Efiom Okoho 17= 6. Okoho Efiom 34= 7. Efiom Ekpo