Ugep Celebrates Traditional Ceremony of the New Ebinyang, Obol Ofem Ikpi Eteng (Kunta)

Ugep Celebrates Traditional Ceremony of the New Ebinyang, Obol Ofem Ikpi Eteng (Kunta)
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

The ancient town of Ugep, in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, was filled with jubilation and traditional splendour on Friday, 24 October 2025, as the new Ebinyang, Obol Ofem Ikpi Eteng, popularly known as Kunta, underwent the traditional ceremony of breaking the teeth, marking his official installation as the new Opalapala (chief priest) of Ugep.

The ceremony, which took place at the palace of the Obol Lopon of Ugep, followed the symbolic throwing of the towel — a revered ritual that signifies the final acceptance and recognition of the chosen individual by the traditional council and the spiritual custodians of the land.

Chiefs and Elders Gather for a Historic Occasion

Akahi News gathered that the event drew prominent chiefs and traditional leaders from across the sub-clans of Ugep and neighbouring communities. Those in attendance included chiefs from Ugom in Ijiman, Kekomkolo in Ijom, and Egbizum in Ikpakapit.

The gathering was not only a display of traditional authority but also a reaffirmation of unity and continuity within the Ugep traditional institution. The new Ebinyang’s wife, family members, kepon members, and a large number of youths were also present, lending colour and energy to the age-old rite.

Following the successful completion of the ceremony, Obol Ofem Ikpi Eteng was ceremoniously escorted back to his community, a gesture symbolic of his readiness to assume full spiritual responsibilities as the eye of the gods in Ugep.

The Role and Significance of the Ebinyang in Ugep Culture

According to Akahi News findings, the office of the Ebinyang is one of the most revered in the Ugep traditional system. Often referred to as the chief priest or the divine intermediary, the Ebinyang occupies a sacred position as the spiritual watchdog of the land.

He is traditionally regarded as “the eye of the gods”, serving as the bridge between the mortal world and the ancestral spirits. His responsibilities include overseeing purification rites, performing sacred rituals, and maintaining spiritual order within the community.

The installation of a new Ebinyang, therefore, is not a mere cultural formality — it is a momentous spiritual renewal that reaffirms Ugep’s ancient connection to its gods, ancestors, and collective identity.

A Ceremony Steeped in Symbolism

The breaking of the teeth ritual, Akahi News learnt, represents the symbolic detachment of the new Ebinyang from his former life, initiating him into a sacred covenant of purity, wisdom, and divine service. It is performed only once in a lifetime and is witnessed exclusively by initiated elders and custodians of the tradition.

The preceding throwing of the towel — which took place a day earlier — is equally significant. It marks the final confirmation of the Ebinyang’s selection and signals that both the earthly council and the spiritual realm have approved his appointment.

Cultural Continuity and Spiritual Renewal

Akahi News observes that this year’s ceremony reinforces the deep respect that Ugep people hold for their traditional institutions. At a time when modern influences continue to reshape cultural expressions, the steadfast observance of such rites demonstrates the resilience of indigenous heritage in Yakurrland.

Community members who spoke with Akahi News described the event as both emotional and spiritually uplifting, noting that it rekindled a sense of belonging and cultural pride among the younger generation.

A community elder, who preferred not to be named, told Akahi News that the installation of Obol Ofem Ikpi Eteng as the new Ebinyang would “bring peace, unity, and divine guidance to the people of Ugep,” stressing that the new chief priest is known for humility, discipline, and dedication to communal values.

Akahi News Insight

From an Akahi News perspective, the reawakening of traditional institutions such as the Ebinyang’s office plays a crucial role in community stability and spiritual identity. In many Nigerian societies, the erosion of cultural traditions has often led to social disconnection and loss of moral grounding.

However, the Ugep experience offers a contrasting model — one where tradition and spirituality are preserved not as relics of the past but as guiding forces for community development, moral education, and peaceful coexistence.

The presence of youths at the ceremony also indicates a growing interest among the younger generation to reconnect with their ancestral roots, a development that Akahi News views as a positive sign for cultural continuity and intergenerational harmony.

As the new Ebinyang, Obol Ofem Ikpi Eteng (Kunta), takes on his sacred responsibilities, the people of Ugep look forward with hope that his reign will usher in spiritual renewal, social order, and divine favour upon the land.

Akahi News will continue to follow developments within Ugep’s traditional institution and provide in-depth cultural insights into its evolving heritage.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org