THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE SELECTION AND DUTIES OF THE UGEP EBINYANG
By Ojeka Odey Mathias
The Ebinyang is the Chief Priest of Ugep. He is also called Opalapala. He is regarded as the spiritual head and “the eye of the gods” of Ugep.
Who is the Current Ebinyang?
The present Ebinyang is Ofem Ikpi Eteng, also called Kunta from Ugom Clan in Ijiman, Ugep.
He was identified and selected after the passing of the former Ebinyang, who came from Kekomkolo Clan in Ijom, Ugep.
How is an Ebinyang Selected?
The position of Ebinyang is not open to everyone. By tradition, it rotates among three royal patriclans:
- Ugom in Ijiman
- Kekomkolo in Ijom
- Egbizum in Ikpakapit
When a new Ebinyang is identified, the chiefs throw a traditional white towel to him. Picking it up means he has accepted the call.
After selection, he undergoes important rites:
- Confinement: He stays in his predecessor’s house for six months. During this time, it is believed the gods of vengeance guide him into the spiritual realm.
- Rites of Passage: His teeth are traditionally “broken” in a ceremony at the palace of the Obol Lopon of Ugep. Chiefs from the three clans, youths, Kepon members, and his wife will attend.
- New Life: After confinement, he comes out wearing a raffia skirt and using ejono as body cosmetic. He never wears a shirt for the rest of his life.
He then pays homage to the ten matrilineal clans of Ugep to complete his installation.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Ebinyang:
The Ebinyang holds one of the most sacred and powerful positions in Ugep:
- Custodian of the Kota: He is the head of the Kota male initiation cult. The Kota belongs to the three clans and is held every six years, and also when an Ebinyang dies. During Kota, women are not allowed to watch.
- Chief Priest for Cleansing: He performs cleansing rites for suicide, murder, and accidents.
- Guardian of Culture: He is the main custodian of the Ekoi dance and is responsible for the successful celebration of the Leboku/Ekoi Festival.
- Spiritual Protector: He safeguards the emblem of Kota and performs rituals to appease the gods.
A Unique Tradition:
The Ebinyang is the only chief in Ugep history who does not wear a shirt from the day he is installed until he dies. This marks him out as set apart for the gods.
According to the current historical records, the longest serving Ebinyang in Ugep history was Obol Usang Ikpi.
In simple terms,the Ebinyang is Ugep’s spiritual father. His job is to connect the people with the gods, protect traditions, and ensure peace through sacrifices and rituals. The stool rotates between Ugom, Kekomkolo, and Egbizum so that no one clan owns it forever.
He is feared, respected, and loved — because without the Ebinyang, there can be no proper Ekoi, no Kota, and no spiritual cleansing in Ugep.
About the Author :
Ojeka Odey Mathias is a cultural researcher and writer passionate about documenting the traditions, history, and heritage of Yakurr and Bekwarra people. Through his writings, he aims to preserve the customs of Ugep/Bekwarra and educate the younger generation about the rich cultural values of the Ekoi nation and Bekwarra people. He is from Ububa Iye , Ibiaragidi ward of Bekwarra while his mum is from Utom Ijiman Ugep. He is a Blogger,Historian , Pedagogue, Social Media Influencer and Media Savvy. He is the CEO of Sagacious News Blog. He is presently teaching History in the Apostolic Secondary Grammar School Ugep.