Hundreds of women from different parts of the Kalabari communities at the weekend converged at Buguma, the ancient headquarters of the Kalabari kingdom to stage a peaceful protest calling HM King (Prof.) T.J.T Princewill, Amachree to vacate the prestigious ancient King Amachree stool. According to the protesting Kalabari women, following the judgment delivered by am High court judge, nullified the installation of Prof. Princewill as Amachree XI.
The women protested along the ever busy King Amachree road, singing songs, dancing and jubilating declaring their support for Hon. Justice E. Teetito’s judgment that dethroned Prof. Princewill as the Amanyanabo of Kalabari kingdom.
The protesters carried placards with different inscriptions such as “Appealing to the Rivers State Government and the Police to effect the judgments of the Superior Courts and bring peace in Kalabari kingdom,” Chief (Prof) T.J.T Princewill is not a leader. He is destroying the Kalabari kingdom systematically”.
“The usurper of Amachree’s throne, Chief (Prof.) T.J.T Princewill has been dethroned by the judgments of the Court of Appeal of 23rd May, 2011 and Port Harcourt High Court of 16th May, 2016”, “Kalabari Chiefs you are highly intelligent and knowledgeable, you should no longer allow ourselves to be deceived by deposed Chief (Prof.) T.J.T Princewill as a fake Amanyanabo of Kalabari”, Kalabari needs God fearing person to be our king to bring peace and unity in Kalabari Kingdom”, “Since the death of the last Amanyanabo in 1998 Kalabari has no king” and several others. The protest lasted for over three (3) hours.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the protest, an opinion community leader simply identified herself as Mrs. Fayama Atiegoba described the court verdict that sacked Prof. Princewill as long awaited and landmark judgment. She expressed optimism that with the delivery of the said judgment, the Kalabari kingdom will experience peace.
Also speaking Madam West pleaded with the Prof. Princewill to vacate the King Amachree’s throne for the interest of the Kalabari kingdom. She recalled that over sixteen (16) years, the Kalabari ethnic nationality has never known peace because of the wrongful installation of the former university don.
“We don’t want problem again in Kalabari Kingdom. We will beg Prof. T.J.T Princewill to leave the Amanyanabo’s seat because he did not follow due process to get into that position. Court has already ruled, let him vacate and present himself for another fresh selection. But as for now there is in king in Kalabari Kingdom”, Madam West concluded. ###
