[51] When the twins were older, they left for the opposite end of the island to Duke town. According to Simmons, "Most Informants maintain that the first people to Inhabit Creek Town were Efut fishermen from the southern Cameroons. The cloth is then dipped in indigo dye and hung to dry. These artists sew the white cloths with raffia thread so that parts of the ukara (in a pattern of nsibidi symbols) will not be exposed during the dyeing process. [51] The Enwang people who were fishing at Duke town saw the twins approaching and fled in terror saying "Mbiomo oduk ine"(English: A curse has befalling our fishing sites). It was worth every penny and made me feel like a kid again. As a child, Sunjata at first looks unpromising because: In one of the most dramatic episodes in the Sunjata Epic, Sunjata first begins to demonstrate his extraordinary abilities when he: avenges an insult to his mother by uprooting a tree and placing it in front of her house. She or he is a random of nature, a result of mixed up and confused spiritual genetics. In Ekpe, he is a product of a dynasty of more than five Generations of Ekpe Sisikus, also known as Nfor Ngbe or Ekpe Chiefs. The group is a mutual aid society known for elaborate street dances and very high. This theory asserts that the Efik migrated from Palestine or somewhere close to Palestine. During weddings, the bride wears at least two different nyny. . Origin Nsibidi symbols which are indigenous to Igbo, Ibibio, Efik, Annang and Ekoi/Ejagham members of the Ekpe society. After the decline of the slave trade, the Efik transitioned into the business of exporting palm oil from the Cross river. The Efik are an ethnic group located primarily in southern Nigeria, and western Cameroon. Efik society consists of various clans which were originally known as "Esien Efik itiaba" (English: Seven clans of Efik) and later known in the 21st century as "Esien Efik Duopeba" (English: Twelve clans of Efik). identity. Enyi laja na lasha b nyeere ha aka idi nsogbu nd baara ha. They came from Mbiak Creek in Ibibio country. According to Parker, When there, Dick Ebro' asking him to go to war with him, he complied, and accordingly having sitted out and armed the canoes, they went up the river, lying under the bushes in the day when they came near a village; and at night flying up to the village, and taking hold of every one they could see. LEFT Ekpe cage during Ikot Ekpe ritual in 2009. [36] According to Aye, "Ikpa Ene could not carry the bulk of Iboku population, Ndodoghi had to accommodate what spilt over, and the two settlements, still under one rule, were separated by the left branch of the river which became their "inland sea". They migrated from Bateka and settled in their current location in flight. That is why Sisiku Ojong Orock after consultation with the other Ekpe members and Sisiku Mfonten Mbu decided to acquire his own Nkanda Lodge in April 2003. [51] The Enwang people moved to the present site of Henshaw town.[51]. The Ekpe society is the most renowned traditional institution in Efik history. [47], By the seventeenth century, more Efik settlements had been founded. Having associated broadly with foreigners in the pre-colonial era and . LEFT Ezillo man drawing a grid pattern to be filled with nsibidi designs, Ezillo, southeastern Nigeria. One of the most important castes in this society is the jeli caste. Formerly the society earned a bad reputation due to what the British viewed as the barbarous customs that were intermingled with its rites. One of Thompson's pupils, Ivor Miller, has now produced a noteworthy study, concentrating specifically on one particular secret society, Ekpe, of the Cross River region of southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon; its transfiguration on Cuban soil into the Abakua society; and the ensuing effect of Abakua in shaping all aspects of the . Resume: La communaure cubaine Abakua-descendantedes communautes :EB:k Ekpe et Ejagham ~gbedu Sud Est du Nigeria etdu Sud Ouest du Cameroun-a ete fondee ala Havane dans les annees 1830 par des leaders captures des villages de Cross River. Ema Atai Ema Atai, Edidem, Biop sai." [38] The Efik bard Adiaha Etim Anua recites in her 1910 ballad that "Mkpana Ndodoghi Edik. Gelede Egbe: Yoruba Women's Sacred Society. Ed Keazor Follow Barrister-at-Law Advertisement Advertisement Recommended [37] When the Efik realised what was going on, they rose to their feet and fought back. It has a variety of different characters and is indigenous to areas of Southeastern Nigeria and . Worn as personal wrappers during initiations and at social events, ukara cloth distinguishes Ekpe members. Collection of Eli Bentor. A fraternal society that emerged in the western culture between the 16th and 7th century. Ethnographic - (Mask, Elephant, Cape, Chicken Feather); Elephant Mask with Chicken Feather Cape, Bekom People, Cameroon. Hall Fund. The ekpo masquerade, occurring to the south and east of Benin, is performed by the warrior age group in ceremonies to purify the village ritually and to maintain health. [9] The largest group moved to Creek town from Ndodoghi led by the priest-king Eyo Ema Atai.[38]. According to Historians, this technique of indigo-dyeing was developed in the Dogon kingdom in Mali (West Africa) dating back to the 11th century. The Ekpe society most likely originated among the Efik people of southern Nigeria and from there spread across other tribes and language groups in Southern Nigeria. Dropping by to say, "Hi!" Efik traders played a major role during the era of the Transatlantic slave trade. They give me thesum of $1,200,000 and many thing. What role does religion play in society today? This created a need for Ekpe DC to have a full Ayamba Nkanda (Nkanda Chief). [16] Baikie said Ibibio are traced to the Igbo. [36] It proved to be the source of supreme authority in all Efik towns, and its institutions provided, in the past, the highest court whose verdicts transcended all else. [34], On leaving the Uruan country, the Efik migrated to Ikpa Ene which is nicknamed Akani Obio Efik(English: Old Efik island). Oge ruru ka laja nyefee lasha r ya ma gaa rwa r e nyere ya ebe z. Right now, Ekpe . This is UKARA cloth used by the Ekpe society in a handful of places in Nigeria, Cameroon The symbols are nisbidi You even scanned the raffia marks left from resist dyeing I hope you won't sue the owners in future! The tentative program is as follows: January 27th and 28th, 2012. (a) What are the Clowns trying to accomplish in this scene? In The River Between, Waiyaki's father, Chege, is: The new, white man's religion is represented by the: Early in the story, Waiyaki undergoes his "second birth". The earliest list of Efik traders is provided in Jean Barbot's manuscript which was later printed in 1732. For the surname, see, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Art and Life in Africa: Eket Information" University of Iowa, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ekpe&oldid=1101939539, This page was last edited on 2 August 2022, at 15:27. [26] Essien points out that Atakpor Uruan Inyang is one of the Efik deities and asserts that among the Uruan exists the saying "Ke Ndem Efik Iboku, Atakpor ke Ekuk", which can be interpreted to mean "Where there is the Efik deity, there is also Atakpor Uruan to share with it. One-word searches work best.Use AND to require multiple terms: LEFT Small ukara with minute patterned design and Omu Aro symbol. [62][63] The first missionaries arrived in 1846. The term "Calabar people" was particularly popular prior to the nineteenth century and was synonymous to the Efik.[6]. "[29] Essien's criticism is supported by the fact that in some Efik trado-religious songs, Atakpor Uruan is greatly extolled. Ukara cloth, an indigo stitched and dyed cloth is significant to the people of Igbo land. La communaut cubaine Abakudescendante des communauts fik Ekp et Ejagham gb du Sud Est du Nigria et du Sud Ouest du Camerouna t fonde la Havane dans les annes 1830 par des leaders capturs des villages de Cross River. Members of the Ekpe society are said to act as [37] The Uruan invasion at Ikpa Ene is believed to be the origin of the Efik saying, "Ama okut Ibibio, ku n enye ika, Idem amasat Ibibio eyewot owo"(English: When you see Ibibio do not give him fire(to warm himself), when he is dry he will kill you). Alcoholic content may be increased via adding the red bark of Edat (Sacoglottis gabonensis) to the wine. how to get a towing contract with geico university of west london ranking world university of west london ranking world These secret societies were used to uphold the legal decisions of the Council of Elders or of the community as a whole, they also ensured conformity in certain rituals and in social behaviour and undertook certain public works for the community (n.d.). The cloth is traditionally used as either a wrapper, worn by high- ranking members of Ekpe group who often . [17] Some oral accounts by early Efik men also support the Igbo origin of the Efik. The remains will then be taken to Kepelle Village in Cameroon for burial after that. "[18] References to the Igbo origin of the Efik were also made at the Hart's enquiry into the Obongship dispute where Etubom Efiom Obo Effanga asserted that the term "Iboku" meant quarrelsome Igbos. [57] The diary of Antera Duke, an Efik, is the only surviving record from an African slave-trading house. Adire Adire means 'tie and dye' in Yoruba. The Ekpe Society is a religious and cultural institution among the Efik people, it can also be found among the Annang and the Ibibios. Here is a list of some of Africa's most prominent cults of all time: The Ekpe is a secret society that lives mostly in Nigeria and whose members are typically law enforcers and politicians. Festival organised by Global Music Exchange (ht. Several accounts have been given on the migration from Creek town to Obutong. The article was a not-so-deep exploration of indigenous African writing systems and languages. AHR ~ 125 The main proponents of what is described as "Palestinean origin" is Eyo Okon Akak who wrote the book, "The Palestine origin of the Efik". In this light, the Cameroon National Council of Traditional Rulers would be a welcomed . [41] Latham hypothesizes that the Efik may have arrived before the middle of the seventeenth century. [72] Photo by Eli Bentor. It is uncertain the specific year that the Efik arrived Creek Town. and Dahomean towns, and among the tribes of Congo and the Cameroon.17 According to the same author, Ngbe, was another society influenced by the Ekoi and originally considered Egb [Ekp]. [76] Palm wine is acquired by making an incision on the palm tree, a process known as "tapping". The island is believed to be named after a fisherman from Mbiabo known as Ene Ankot. Their king on the eastern Calabar coast was known as Ating Anua Efiom. [64] It took several years before the town was rebuilt.[64]. [65] Although the missionaries and rulers of Creek town and Duke town protested, their protests fell on deaf ears. Original African systems of recording information in symbols include the Nsibidi script, of the Ekpe society of the Ejagham of Cameroon and Nigeria. Define monsoon, Sanskrit, raja, caste system, caste, Hinduism, reincarnation, karma, dharma, yoga, Buddhism, ascetic, nirvana. Ekpe Efik was used as a government instrument in Bakassi in exercising authority for more than 200 years ago (E.O.Efiong-Fuller, 1996). Over the years, the Victorian dress has been modified and given what is regarded as a dignified African look. [40] the Ekpe society. Also i want bomb and shell. Nsibidi is a body of ideographic, abstract, and gestural signs deployed by the Ekpe society as a form of coded communication. [9][38] The Adiabo group is believed to have left to their present location after the Mbiabo exodus. Barbot documents that between 1698 and 1699, payments for provisions were made at Calabar to the following chiefs; Duke Aphrom, King Robin, Mettinon, King Ebrero, King John, King Oyo, William King Agbisherea, Robin King Agbisherea, and Old King Robin. This village was originally named Ta Set Maat. Charles Ekpo Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Nigeria The Cross River region is a vast socio-cultural mosaic which accommodates peoples of distinct ethnic, religious, social, economic and. Originally, items such as onions (Oyim mbakara) was rare in Efik meals. The Efik also manufacture a number of beverages such as Mmn Efik (Palm wine), Uffp (Native gin), Lemon grass tea (Nnyannyaa), Mmn Eyop (Eyop wine). [51] Nsutana was a dreaded island where twins were abandoned to die. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. It is also found among a number of other ethnic groups, including the Bahumono of the Cross River State, the Ibibio, the Uruan and the Oron of Akwa Ibom State, Arochukwu and some other parts of Abia State, as well as in the diaspora, such as in Cuba and Brazil. Due to the role they played during the era of the triangular trade, their prominence in literature and art, there has been a lot of academic scholarship on the people. The Ekale and their famous shaking shoulders performing at the "Under the Volcano Festival", Limbe Cameroon. The term igo has also been used for the organization's members. You are using an out of date browser. Ekpe" which literally means Lion, is a traditional secret society originated from the Ekoi tribe in Cross River State. One theory propounded by Okon and Nkpanam Ekereke asserts that the term "Efuk" was a word of defiance and an expression used by the Ibibio man when in a fit of rage. I Am Niki Buroro Agbor Ekpe Jerome a holder of a professional Masters in Forestry and wildlife Engineering with focus on Protected Area Management, Masters of Science in Forest Governance and policies from University of Dschang and Professional Masters in Environmental Science (ESIA) university of Yaounde 1. [59] According to Rev. [69] The society is divided into five main grades such as Nkanda, Oku akama, Nyamkpe, Okpoho and Ebonko. Jeffreys also stated, "There is reason to believe that a considerable portion of a small Ibibio clan called Ebrutu or Eburutu was the earliest stock of the Efik; for, when the missionaries settled in 1846 at Old Calabar amongst these people for the first time, it was found that they called themselves not Efik but Ebrutu or Ebrutu Efik. Black Spirituality / Religion - General Discussion, http://odinanilawsofnature.wordpress.com/2010/11/10/finding-god-in-nature/, http://tourismafricana.com/origin-history-ekpe-soceity.html. [38] It is believed that it was at Ndodoghi that many of the Abayen clan had died from crocodile attacks. It was found in operation among a tribe down the coast towards Camaroons, but was improved and extended in its new field of operations.[60]. Select search scope, currently: catalog all catalog, articles, website, & more in one search; catalog books, media & more in the Stanford Libraries' collections; articles+ journal articles & other e-resources [32] The men were wet and complained of hunger and fatigue. Members are bound by oath of secrecy, and fees on entrance are payable. Miller's current book, Voice of the Leopard (UP of Mississippi, 2008), documents the little known history of the Cuban Abaku, a mutual-aid institution derived from the Ekpe (leopard) society of the Cross River region of Nigeria and Cameroon. The symbols are arranged in a grid, giving the cloths an orderly, symmetrical quality that is often reinforced by repeated patterns. The cloth is made of plain cotton but transformed into a ritual object when nsibidi symbols are inscribed onto it through indigo dyeing. [61] One of such letters written by King Eyamba V and the chiefs of Old Calabar states: Now we settle treaty for not sell slave, I must tell you something, I want your Queen to do for we. This exhibition examines the ukara cloth of the Ekpe secret society, a multi-ethnic all-male association in southeastern Nigeria and western Cameroon, exploring both the longstanding cultural practice the cloth represents and the artistic process involved in its creation. [26] At Uruan, they were ruled by a number of priest-kings Ndidem. Many families sent their children to European captains to teach them English and the processes involved in the international trade. It was technically part of Nigeria, according to history, which was the reason we had the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). History The Ekoi people, while all speaking the same language, have not tended to live in complete unison. The year 1841 marked the official signing of papers by Efik kings to stop the exportation of slaves from Old Calabar. All Ekpe members are hereby reminded that under Ekpe custom, we do not leave the lifeless body of our warriors in the battle field, and we certainly do not leave the remains of an Ekpe chief unguarded. Among these included Yams, Fufu and an unidentified type of black soup frequently mentioned in 19th century Old Calabar literature. Talbot asserts that a great cotton tree had fallen down on many of the Abayen and in their pride of numbers, they believed they could hold the cotton tree. [67] Communities within the Calabar metropolis such as Efut, Kiong and Qua also speak and understand the Efik language. I hope Queen Victoria and young prince will live long time and we get good friend. In the culture we have discussed, the term fadenya refers to: the relationship between father and child, and half siblings - requiring self-assertion, independence, innovation, and competition. [32] Another theory states that there was a disagreement between an Efik woman known as Abasi and an Uruan woman. Ukara cloth also consecrates the interior of Ekpe lodges, where larger versions of the cloth hang as backdrops. Only males can join, boys being initiated about the age of puberty. There are several theories regarding the origin of the Efik people. [1] The trade-off is that the Amama often control the majority of the community wealth. [26][28] This theory was narrated at the Hart's enquiry by Etubom Ededem Ekpenyong Oku but has been criticised by Uruan writers such as Dominic Essien. Individual symbols may also have multiple meanings, rendering context important and interpretation inevitable in the "reading" of the body of represented signs. The Neegee is a cannibalistic group that feeds on human flesh to satisfy their God, and to gain power from that God. It is not just because of its spiritual or cultic functions but for the fact that the institution was a pre-colonial police judiciary system (Bassey, 1998). The Ogboni is a fraternity indigenous to Nigeria, Benin and Togo. Google Scholar Aye, E. A. a king whose attempts to have a special son lead him to make bargains with one Islamic missionary and two noble travelers. The Ekpe Masquerade Jun. [27] A number of reasons have been given on why the Efik left Uruan. Among these secret societies were Ekpe, Obon and Nsibidi. [78] Raffia palm clothing (Efik: f Ndam) could also be exported from other communities especially when a community made the best raffia clothing. Photo by Jordan Fenton. [80] Ivory bracelets (Efik: Mme) were worn by wealthy women. During the colonial era, The Efik language was the only language taught in schools in many parts of the present-day Cross River and Akwa Ibom state. kp lodges ruled local communities while also managing regional and long-distance trade. Due to the peregrinations of Efik traders across the lower Cross River region, The Efik language was regarded as the language of commerce in the Cross river region. The origins of these symbols date way before colonization, but, from my understanding, the use of these symbols died out as the influence of Ekpe secret society lessened. They are well respected agents of wealth distribution in the community.. [33][34] Abasi is said to have borrowed an axe from an Uruan woman and had broken the axe. Sunjata's victory against Sumaworo comes in part because: Sumaworo loses the support of his nephew, Fakoli. [19], The Ibibio origin of the Efik is one of the most popular among scholars. [49] Several events at Creek town later led to a wave of migration from Creek town to Duke town. Ekpe cult, the leopard cult, and a male masquerade cult of the Efik, in cross river state of Nigeria, followed by Doomsday cult (prediction of total destruction of planet earth), then the. [32] At night when everyone had gone to sleep, the men from Uruan rose up and began to slaughter their hosts. The most popular migration account within the Nigerian space asserts that the Efik people lived at Ibom in the present-day Arochukwu and migrated from Ibom to Uruan. The process of creating this richly symbolic cloth is laborious. English language is spoken in the South-Western part of Cameroon. Ikpaya is now worn by an Obong-elect during the traditional coronation ceremony. Ekpe masquerade mimic the form of a lion or leopard moves. James Beale Horton made a similar assertion in 1868 where he asserted that all the communities of the Niger-delta are traced to the Igbo. [44][52] Aye uses Adiaha Etim Anwa's ballad as one of the basis for his hypothesis. For the first time in history, Ekpe had a presentation at the highest institution of cultural anthropology in the world, the Smithsonian Museum. Only males can join, boys being initiated about the age of puberty. [51] Due to the custom of killing twins, Edem Efiom is said to have aided Okoho Efiom in sneaking out of Creek town to Nsutana. Welcome, Love, Peace and Unity in Nsibidi. part of the Balondos or Orokos in Ndian in Southern Cameroon) and Idombi (ie present town, called Bamusso in Ndian-Southern . . kp had four major roles in pre-colonial life. Now we can't sell slaves again we must have too much man for country; and want something for make work and trade, and if we could get seed for cotton and coffee we could make trade. Long time we no look Man-of-War as Blount promise one Frenchman come make plenty palaver for slave when we can't get them. Many believe this groups village at present day Deir el-Medina was the original location where freemasonry began. Large amounts of pepper was also uncommon in Efik cuisines. The practice and display of Ekpe masquerade have been modified. [76], Prior to the introduction of European-styled clothing, the Efik wore loin clothes made of Raffia (Efik: Ndam). Plenty sugar cane live here and if some man must come for teach book proper, and make all men saby God like white man, and then we go on for same fashion. Animals such as goats, chicken and dogs are consumed in Efik cuisine. But, Ekpe in the course of the colonial period underwent a wide range of fundamental changes in their structure, roles, status . This exhibition, on view from April 18 to August 2, was organized by the Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, and generously supported by the William B. Jaffe and Evelyn A. ekpe society cameroon. I bought a $140,000 mobile home in a million-dollar LA neighborhood and love it. While their political authority is largely diminished today, Ekpe membership is still prestigious and the society continues to be a unifying force among the Ejagham, Igbo, Efik, Ibibio, and other cultural groups in the Cross River region. Modern Efik society is a melting pot of people of diverse origin. Unblock notifications in browser settings. [50] Okoho Efiom bore twins whose paternal parentage have often been debated. On behalf of Ekpe-USA Leadership, I hereby remind every member of Ngbe who has taken the aoth that our fathers and great grand fathers took to uphold those sacred traditions and beliefs, to immediately start preparations to do what they must do to send our brother to join our ancestors. [12] Due to the support of the missionaries, the Efik language became the language of religion. Nigeria and Cameroon (Lebialem and Manyu), Ekpe Society Resolutions from meeting held on September 16th 2011 in DC, Auto-Biography of Sisiku Emmanuel Ojong-Orock, Leader of Cameroonian Ekpe Lodge in Metropolitan DC. The Efik are an ethnic group located primarily in southern Nigeria, in the southern part of Cross River State. Abakua is an Afro-Cuban mens secret society related to the Ekpe. Another theory which is narrated by Forde and Jones states that the name "Efik" translates to "Tyrants" or "He who oppresses" and was the name of which the Efik called themselves after they had settled at Creek town.[12]. There are different narratives on the arrival of the Efik at Creek Town. When you see Ibibio do not give him fire(to warm himself), when he is dry he will kill you, Multiple Deaths at Ndodoghi creek, Ema Atai Ema Atai, Priest-king, lost his sight in death, Joshua Project Efik of Nigeria Ethnic People Profile, Souvenir Programme of the Coronation Service of His Royal Highness Edidem Boco Ene Mkpang Cobham V, Obong of Calabar and Paramount Ruler of the Efiks, Abridgement of the minutes of the evidence, "Souvenir programme of the Coronation of Edidem Boco Ene Mkpang Cobham V", "Cross river as a model for the evolution of Benue-Congo nominal class/concord systems", https://web.archive.org/web/20151222092842/http://sunnewsonline.com/new/pa-effiong-ukpong-aye-1918-2012/, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Efik_people&oldid=1131332439, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles using infobox ethnic group with image parameters, Articles containing explicitly cited English-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 3 January 2023, at 17:46. [33][35] The Efik came to her defence and the dispute escalataed[34] Legend has it that this was the last straw that led to the Uruan-Efik war (known in Efik as Ek Abasi-Anwan) which led to the exit of the Efik from the Uruan country. Wake Keeping, Viewing and service in Dallas, Texas. Social importance is attached to the highest ranks of Ekpe-men, called the Amama. [33] When the husband of the Uruan woman learnt of the issue, he wanted to fight the Efik. Each grade has a chieftain or an Obong. Membership in the Ekpe (Egbo), or Leopard, society, for example, available to wealthy men who can meet the expense involved, confers high social status and political authority; these men participate in ceremonies concerned with ancestral spirits and are believed to protect the community through magic and religious ritual. [76] Uffp (native gin) is distilled from palm wine and is sometimes mixed with the bark of Edat to increase the alcoholic content. Opinions expressed belong solely to the author and do not represent the views of other Members, Management, or the Community at large. jamba juice turmeric smoothie recipe; sainsbury's locksbottom parking charges; ekpe society cameroon; June 11, 2022; small mortuary obituaries mobile, alabama . On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The Efik are an ethnic group located primarily in southern Nigeria, and western Cameroon. One theory asserts that Ukpong Atai Atai Ema Atai, Adim Atai Atai Ema Atai and other co-founders founded Obutong after one of Eyo Ema's people was killed during a wrestling match with Ukpong Atai at Creek town. These are: the oral historians, kings' advisors, poets, and musicians whose power is the ability to manipulate words. A list of some of Africa's most prominent cults and secret societies of all time. The Osirica is a black Egyptian masonic order that existed in ancient Egypt. The Ekpe society may be regarded as one of the most important institutions among the Efik people. of Bamum, of Cameroon in his kingly attire seated on the throne with his chiefs flanked round him (Plate 2). Children of Efik maternal descent are still regarded as Efik and have contributed to the development of the Efik society. We thank you too much for what thing you come do for keep thing right. cherryblossom wrote on watzinaname's profile. Cow meat was also consumed but the Efik native cow was rarely eaten or milked by the Efik. Meat and fish are the major sources of protein in Efik cuisines. Written March 01, 2015 by Web Services Editor, Guarini School of Graduate & Advanced Studies, Copyright 2023 Trustees of Dartmouth College. The presentation, by Ekpe members from Cameroon, Nigeria and Cuba was arranged by Chief Dr. Ivor Miller and coordinated by Sessekous Ojong-Orock, Joseph Mbu and Mbe Tazi. Upon leaving the Cameroon territory, the Ibibio arrived at their present location following two major directions. Updates? It became a truly multi-group society, finding its' way to almost all groups in the region and gaining dominance in . Known generally as Ekpe, Egbo, Ngbe, or Ugbe among the multi-lingual groups in the region, these closed groups all used the leopard as a symbol of masculine prowess in war and political authority in their various communities.