Orok Edem-Odo

Orok Edem-Odo (Orok Edem-Odo Edem Ekpo Efiom Okoho Efiom Ekpo Efiom Ekpo) also known as Eyamba IX or King Duke IX was the Obong of Calabar from 17 April 1880 to 21 November 1896. His father Edem-Odo Edem Ekpo was the Obong of Calabar from 1854 to 1858. His mother was Ekanem Ama from the Eta Odionka family of Efut Abua, Calabar.

Selection for kingship

After the death of King Archibong III in 1879, there was a fierce contest over his successor. Three candidates showed interest in the stool of the Obong of Calabar. The candidates included Prince James Eyamba, son of Eyamba V and who later became Eyamba X; Prince Asibong Edem, son of Archibong III and Prince Orok Edem-Odo, son of Edem-Odo Edem Ekpo. The abolishment of several customs insidiously used in the past to eliminate potential candidates to the stool of the Obong, made the matter more complex. All three candidates came from notable families. The presentation of a candidate from the Archibong family of the Duke Ward signified internal dissension within the Duke House. In a bid to swiftly solve the leadership crisis, Acting Consul Easton crowned Orok Edem-Odo as the Obong of Calabar on 15 March 1880. The crowning of Obong Edem-Odo only aggravated the Chiefs of Old Calabar who were displeased with the foisting of a king on the people against their wishes. The case was reopened, giving time for Prince James Eyamba and Prince Asibong to organise their campaign. At this time, foreign missionaries took interest in the kingship tussles of Calabar. Two leading missionaries i.e., Reverend William Anderson and Reverend Ross played important roles in the contest. These missionaries had different views regarding who should be the next Obong of Calabar with Reverend Anderson supporting Prince Duke and Reverend Ross supporting Prince Eyamba. Rev. Anderson who had lived in Calabar longer than Reverend Ross believed Prince Orok Edem-Odo albeit a traditionalist was a better option to Prince James Eyamba. He believed the election of a king from an impoverished Eyamba Ward would be a mistake. On the other hand, Rev. Ross choice of candidacy was due to his belief that the next monarch would advance the cause of Christianity and stamp out non-Christian practices. Rev. Ross rebuked Rev. Anderson for what he termed his 'support of cruel and unconverted chiefs and his general toleration of barbarous custom.' The antagonism between both ministers had reached a peak that an independent enquiry was set-up by the Scottish mission to investigate the cause of their quarrel. The result was that Rev. Anderson was reproached and Rev. Ross was instructed to go home. Rev. Ross refused to return home and resigned from the Scottish Mission in 1881. Prince James believed that by wooing the British, he would receive support for his claim to the throne. Thus, he wrote severally to the British stressing his active Christian life as a justification for his elevation which he believed differentiated him from Prince Orok Edem-Odo. Meanwhile, Prince Asibong Edem chose a more violent course of action, executing those who were not in support of his candidacy. Prince Asibong's violent activities nearly precipitated war with the wards concerned. In August 1882, Consul Edward H. Hewett summoned the Chiefs of Calabar to elect a king and regardless of their previous reservations, Prince Orok Edem-Odo was chosen and crowned on 8 August.