The Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, has directed that the pouring of libation in the palace should cease once prayers have been offered to God during official palace activities.

The monarch issued the directive at a recent palace event after reports that, despite an opening Christian prayer, some chiefs stepped outside to pour libation to the ancestors.

Speaking at the gathering, the Obong—who is also the Defender of the Christian Faith and Grand Patriarch of the Efik Kingdom—said such practices should not follow prayers offered to God within the palace.

“Once a prayer has been offered to God before we set about any traditional business of the day in this palace, we should allow Him to do His work. We should stop at that point,” he said.

He urged palace chiefs and stakeholders not to misinterpret the directive as an attack on Efik customs, appealing for calm and understanding.

“I am not saying we should abandon our traditions or the remembrance of our ancestors,” the Obong clarified. “But once prayers have been offered to Almighty God, we should stop there, because God is greater than all.”

The monarch added that if libation must be poured, it should be done separately and not after prayers have already been offered during palace proceedings.