Abstract

This paper discusses the diplomatic relations between Akwa Ibom and some selected groups in present-day Cross River State. The groups include the Ejagham (including the Qua of Calabar), the Efut, Biase (Umon/Agwagune) Okoyong and Ododop. The areas under study is well watered by numerous waterways particularly the Cross River from which the modern “Cross River State” derives its name and which links the people of these areas together since the pre-colonial era. Over the centuries, the people have engaged in diverse socio-economic activities including long distance trade. Inter-marriages also took place and helped in cementing their relations. Also secret societies particularly ekpe, believed to have originated from the Efut before they dispersed from the Cameroon area was one principal medium of inter-group relations. The paper refutes the orientation of a prominent historian who described the old Cross River State as an “atomistic society perpetually at war with itself”. It notes that even though some conflicts occasionally occurred among the people, particularly in the post-colonial Nigeria, such circumstances were not enough to disrupt the established relations. It concludes that the rich historical antecedent which is often ignored should serve as the guiding light as the people of the region still interact in contemporary period. It adopts a historical analytical methodology.

How to Cite