The High Court of Cross River State has dismissed a suit seeking to remove the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V. The suit, spearheaded by some Efik leaders who had previously affirmed the election of Edidem Abasi-Otu V, was rejected by Justice Elias Abua. The claimants are believed to have defected to the camp of a contender to the throne, Anthony Ani. The recent case had suit No: HC/278/2023 and the defendants included Edidem Abasi-Otu V, Ntiero Edem Offiong Efiwat, Edem Ita Essien Ededem, Government of Cross River State, and Attorney General of Cross River State. Justice Abua rejected the prayers of the claimants and stated that giving such orders without any tangible reason would do "incalculable and avoidable damage" to the office of the Obong of Calabar. [662e8163]