By BANNERNEWS Reporter
The Universal Monarch, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, has called on traditional rulers and residents of Akwa Ibom State to uphold peace, unity and exemplary leadership as he continued his tour of the state with visits to royal institutions and congregations of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star.
The tour, which attracted large gatherings of worshippers, community leaders and traditional rulers, featured visits to several local government areas where the spiritual leader emphasized the importance of harmony, moral leadership and community development.
At Ntak Inyang Odiok Itam in Itu Local Government Area, members of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star organized a colourful reception in honour of the Universal Monarch.
Welcoming the delegation, the State Administrator, Archbishop Martins Ansa, described the visit as a rare gesture of love and divine grace for the people of Akwa Ibom.
Speaking on behalf of the host community, Chief John Davis prayed for divine blessings across the ten local government areas within the district, while His Grace Justice Archibong Archibong expressed confidence that the Universal Monarch’s presence would bring transformation to the state.
Representing the Universal Monarch, PCS Innocent Omini declared Akwa Ibom blessed for its warm reception, noting that the spiritual visit signaled a new chapter of testimonies, growth and blessings for the state.
The visit also extended to Ukanafun Local Government Area, where the Paramount Ruler, HRM Akuku (Engr.) Amos Daniel Akpan, received the delegation at his palace.
The monarch described the moment as a rare spiritual encounter, declaring emotionally that witnessing the visit of the Universal Monarch was the most remarkable experience of his life.
He recalled that the last visit to the area in 2003 preceded the discovery of crude oil in commercial quantity in Ukanafun, which he regarded as a sign of divine blessing on the land.
In response, the Universal Monarch, through his representative, charged the palace to remain a sanctuary of reconciliation and a beacon of unity while praying for long life, growth and prosperity for the people of Ukanafun.
At Ikot Ekpene Cathedral, thousands of worshippers gathered as the Universal Monarch urged members of the Brotherhood to prepare wholeheartedly for the forthcoming Silver Jubilee of his Physical Coronation scheduled for April 13–19, 2026, at the world headquarters of the Brotherhood in Calabar.
He described the celebration as a spiritually significant event designed to honour truth and righteousness while strengthening the faith of believers.
The gathering also featured the sanctification of elects, an exposition on the impact of the Coronation by PCS Wilson Iwara, inspiring presentations by the Children’s Fellowship and the symbolic display of coronation paraphernalia before the congregation.
In a gesture reflecting the cultural reverence of the people, the Universal Monarch was adorned in traditional Akwa Ibom attire while more than four thousand worshippers received prayers and blessings during the spiritually charged service.
The tour further included a visit to the Paramount Ruler of Onna Local Government Area, Akwa Edidem Raymond T. Inyang, who praised the organisational strength of the Brotherhood and commended the emergence of younger leaders within its structure as a sign of continuity and regeneration.
The monarch also recounted that his biological father, though a preacher of another faith, made annual pilgrimages to the Brotherhood’s World Headquarters in Calabar to receive spiritual guidance from the Great Leader, Olumba Olumba Obu.
Similarly, the Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan, HRM Edidem Francis Ekpenyong III, expressed gratitude for the visit, recalling how divine grace transformed his life from that of a classroom teacher to a traditional ruler.
He also reflected on the longstanding spiritual connection between his community and the Universal Monarch, recalling earlier divine pronouncements which he said continued to manifest in the land.
The visits were highlighted by prayers, cultural displays and the presentation of the Everlasting Gospel of Leader Olumba Olumba Obu to the traditional rulers, with a call for continued commitment to peace, justice and responsible leadership across Akwa Ibom State.
