From John Silas
The pandemonium in the royal family in Okobo is still on as royal fathers have expressed their dissatisfaction over the course of events leading to the disappearance of one of their sons, Prince Patrick Williams.
The matter at hand concerning the traditional rites and customs of the land, handed down from generation to generation, has been of keen interest to important personalities across the state of Akwa-Ibom and beyond.
HRM Edidem Ita Okon, Isonsi 1 of Okobo kingdom, is a shrewd traditional ruler and holds very strongly the beliefs and practices of the land as custom demands.
According to him, “While change is inevitable, the legacies of our fathers should also be respected and preserved.”
He implored his followers to identify their cultural and natural heritage, to conserve and protect it. He vehemently denounced Patrick William’s action in not protecting the family honour.
According to sources close to the family (name withheld), Patrick had always had his doubts about the Nigerian system where injustice ambuscades justice, and mediocrity reigns supreme over intelligence. He desires to move forward from a painful past and protect himself, his wife and daughter from future harm.
His wife Laura had fled the country as a result of abusive, hostile and dangerous situations posed by his family.
Prince Patrick is said to have cut all ties with the family. He had also filed a petition for emancipation from the family and the burden of tradition. Consequently, this was seen as gross disrespect and defiance of authority.
Following this development, a communiqué has been issued by the Royal fathers demanding the immediate return of the prince to the palace to face sanctions on account of his rebellion. The communiqué also requests citizens of the state to come forward with information as to the whereabouts of the prince.
They maintain that such acts of rebellion, if left unpunished, will throw the land into a state of anarchy.
A close source hinted that some members of the police force have been involved in the search for the prince. As at the time of filing the report, the prince’s whereabouts were still unknown. All efforts to reach him proved abortive.
