Respect For His Majesty, King Dr. Disrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel, Is Respect For Kalabari Heritage

His Majesty, King Dr. Disrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel II, Owukori IX DSSRS, UN-MP, KSC, Amanyanabo and Paramount Ruler of Abonnema,  Chairman, Akuku-Toru Area Council of Traditional Rulers 

Respect For His Majesty, King Dr. Disrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel, Is Respect For Kalabari Heritage

              By

Prince Tonye Dick

The recent publication and circulation of commentaries arising from the Certified True Copies (CTCs) of a judgment of the Customary Court of Appeal, Rivers State, [WHAT DOES THE JUDGMENT SAY] concerning the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, His Majesty King (Barr.) Disrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel, have once again brought a sensitive traditional matter into the public arena. 

While public discourse is a legitimate feature of a democratic society, it is imperative that such engagement is guided by restraint, respect and a deep understanding of Kalabari customs and values. [THE NARRATIVE IS DRIVEN BY SOCIAL MEDIA BULLIES, CYBER BULLIES, EMPLOYED BY THE ACTORS TO SPREAD FALSE NARRATIVES]

First and foremost, the Amanyanabo of Abonnema occupies a sacred and historic stool—the Owukori Stool—which is not merely a personal title but a symbol of the collective identity, dignity and continuity of Abonnema and the entire Kalabari Nation. Any narrative, action or commentary that tends to diminish the person of the Amanyanabo(King Disrael Gbobo) invariably casts aspersions on the stool itself and, by extension, on Kalabari heritage as a whole.

It is important to state clearly that the courts have spoken within the confines of the matters presented before them, and the judgments, as affirmed, should be respected by all parties. [THOSE COMMENTING, DO THEY KNOW WHAT THE COURT SAID AND IN RELATION TO WHAT] However, the continued public re-litigation of issues, particularly those touching on allegations as sensitive as witchcraft, does little to advance justice, peace or unity. Rather, it risks bringing the revered Owukori Stool and the Kalabari Nation into avoidable disrepute.

Kalabari society is rich in traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms, guided by elders, royal fathers and respected personalities whose moral authority transcends partisan interests. These institutions and personalities exist precisely to manage delicate matters in ways that preserve honour, cohesion and communal stability. Resorting to persistent media trials and public pressure campaigns undermines these time-tested mechanisms.

I therefore call on all parties involved, [THERE IS ONLY ONE PARTY GOING AMOCK AND HIS PAID CYBERBULLIES] as well as their supporters, to exercise maturity, patriotism and restraint. Revered Kalabari sons and daughters—statesmen, elders, chiefs and opinion leaders—should rise to the occasion by counselling moderation and encouraging the adoption of appropriate traditional and reconciliatory channels. This is the Kalabari way: dialogue over discord, dignity over denigration, and unity over division.

Respect for His Majesty King (Barr.) Disrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel is, without question, respect for the Owukori Stool, respect for Abonnema, and respect for the Kalabari Nation. Any genuine concern for truth, justice and tradition must be pursued in a manner that upholds the sanctity of our institutions and preserves the collective honour of our people.

At this critical moment, the overriding interest should not be personal victory or public vindication, but the peace, unity and enduring dignity of Abonnema and the Kalabari Nation at large.