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EkpeFrom NigerianWikiThe Ekpe Society is a religious and cultural institution among the Efik people, it can also be found among the Annang and the Ibibios. At its peak, it permeated the social, economic and political life of the Efiks but lately its dominance has been eroded as urbanization and modern political administration expanded. The society is now seen as a fraternity along the masonic lines which tries to represent the interest of Efiks. [edit] HistoryThe history of the society is shrouded in mystery since many members pleage a vow of silence. However, some tales abound. According to some stories, prior to the migration of the Efiks from a settlement in Uruan, they owned a secret cult names Mpke sometimes called Nyana Yaku. On the getting to their present stead, they met a similar society among a group of Efut?Ekoi with links to Cameroon. It is here they purchased the Efik grades or the secret religion. However, there are some claims that the Efik originated as a women society before it metamorphosized to become a male society. However, this claim has no support in Efik mythology. The society is generally seen to have emerged in its origins as a religious cult, as Ekpe in Efik means leopard, an animal considered invisible and mysterious in Efik and Ibibio folklore. The society then was an esoteric cult in which the uninitiated knew little about. The first main title holder of the society was Esien Ekpe Oku, who is the grandson of Oku Atai, a cousin of an Obong who at one point in time was given control of the Ekpe society The society used its power to enforce law and order through fear. During the emergence of the trans Atlantic trade, the Ekpe members transformed themselves into a trading and regulatory organization enforcing commercial laws and engaging in commerce. (1) [edit] StructureThe society had two main grades, the higher grade was comprised of members of the Nyamkpe, Okpoho, Okuahama, Nakanda and the lower grades were made up of Mboko, Mboko Mboko, Mkpe, Mbakara and Edibo. The society was an open but secret society accepting free men, slaves and women. However, the higher grades was generally limited to those who could pay its high fees.
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