Essien Etim Offiong III

Essien Etim Ofiong III (c.a. 1859–1911), also known as Etinyin Essien Etim Offiong, was the founder of Essien Town in present-day Calabar. He was a political agent during the early years of the colonial era and was instrumental in the establishment of the Catholic Church at Old Calabar. He was also instrumental to the establishment of Ikot Ishie, whose founder, Obong Ishie Offiong Okoho became a beneficiary of Offiong's land gift among other things.

Early life Offiong was born into the Offiong Okoho royal family of Old Calabar around 1859. His father was Chief Etim Offiong Essien Abasi who hailed from Duke Town. His job entailed that he would aid the government in maintaining peace, order and stability in the district. His knowledge of the upper Cross River district was useful to Chief Coco Otu Bassey, another political agent. Offiong investigated into the allegation and revealed that no such tolls had ever been obtained by Chief Coco Bassey or his workers. Offiong was very passionate about his job and always wished to carry out his tasks with perfection. However, his role as acting Etubom was only backed by government support and he soon realised that he had several constraints in enforcing Government orders as head chief of Old town. Due to his inability to enforce government orders, in 1902, Offiong wrote a letter to James Watt the district commissioner requesting that he be relieved of his role. Offiong also supported the setting up of businesses at Calabar. For instance, in 1898 he rented out a portion of land situated at Henshaw town beach to Ulrick Peterson of Berlin who was doing business in Calabar.

The founding of Essien town Prior to the establishment of Essien town, Offiong had lived in the Eyamba ward at Duke town.

Despite his involvement in the establishment of the catholic church, Offiong was not a self-professed Christian. He was a celebrated lover of several pleasures such as a great love for fashion, material possession, drinks, power etc. His quest for social influence also led to his membership of several masonic societies including Foresters, Noble Order of Odd Fellows and the World Fellowship of Free Masonry 197 I.C.

Friendship with Oba Ovoranmwen of Benin Offiong's social network had the like of Colonialists, monarchs, business gurus etc. A very dear friend of Offiong was the Oba of Benin, Ovoranmwen Nogbaisi. On the 17th of February 1897, the Benin Empire was conquered by the British and their king, the Oba of Benin was banished from his kingdom and sent on exile to Old Calabar. The Oba had a very large family but was only allowed to take two of his wives with him to Calabar. While at Calabar, he was in the care of Etinyin Essien Etim Offiong.

Death Offiong was struck by an illness and died on 14 February 1911. His remains were buried in "Akwa esit ebiet", his residence and the same ground where his storey building once stood.