An official statement from Ekpe Efik Ibeku Initiates
Ekpe is deeply spiritual, and as such, great care must be taken in all matters related to its spirituality. There are specific rules that both initiates and non-initiates must adhere to, it is therefore concerning to see the now rampant desecration of this sacred tradition, which has necessitated the decision by Ekpe Efik Ibeku to revert to strict adherence to historical traditional norms and regulations.
Some of the sacrilegious acts we have observed and will no longer tolerate include, but are not restricted to:
- Allowing a non-title holder to raise, lead, or control Ekpe
- Improper presentation/misrepresentation or appearance of Idem Ikwo (the physical manifestation of Ekpe.
All individuals who claim to be initiates must understand and adhere to what is considered proper, ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse! - Moving from one Ekpe domain to another without following the proper Ekpe protocols, which all adepts must be familiar with and respect.
Yet again, claims of ignorance will not be accepted, as initiates are expected to know the basic principles and rules of Ekpe. - The leadership of, or moving around with Ekpe by females (initiates of not) is prohibited
- Female Ekpe initiates must adhere to their prescribed roles; and only be present where permitted during Ekpe proceedings.
- Non-initiates mimicking, playing, or participating in any Ekpe procession or gathening is strongly forbidden.
it is the duty of Ekpe initiates to ensure that non-initiates do not partake in Ekpe activbes, or they themselves will be held responsible for any, and all such infractions
Ekpe Efik Ibeku cautions that going forward, any breach or abuse of Expe rules and regulations within our domain will not be tolerated; as such infractions will be addressed dispassionately in strict accordance with the traditions passed down by our ancestors.
NKA AKA IDIM ESA, NKA NDI YERE MMOÑ; USUN ESIRE. ENYENE EYEN ONO ITEM; MBAK OTOÑO DE DO, MBET OBOP EYEN!
