Archibong I (Efio-Okoho Asibong Ekpo Efiom Okoho Efiom Ekpo Efiom Ekpo) also known as Archibong Duke was the Obong of Calabar from 28 May 1849 to 4 February 1852. Born as Efio-Okoho, he was named after his Great Grandfather Efiom Okoho. His father was Asibong Ekpo and his mother was Obuma. Archibong is the anglicised form of the name Asibong.
Selection for Kingship
After the death of Eyamba V on May 14 1847, there was an interregnum of almost two years. A few months later, several persons declared their interest in filling the stool of the Obong of Calabar. Among the candidates were Ntiero Ekpenyong Ofiong Okoho (King Eyamba V's brother who was popularly known as Mr Young), Edem-Odo Edem Ekpo (Duke Ephraim), and Efio-Okoho Asibong Ekpo (Archibong Duke). According to Hope Waddell, it had been expected that King Eyo Honesty II would have been acknowledged King of all Calabar and therefore end the rivalries of the various towns. However, the old system of having two separate dominions was retained. Latham attests that Lieutenant Commander Selwyn was advised against the selection of King Eyo Honesty II as Obong of Calabar as wealth was his sole advantage. Although, Oku argues that though King Eyo Honesty II was the son of Chief Eyo Nsa, he was equally the son of Princess Inyang Esien Ekpe and was equally eligible via his maternal lineage. The desire to maintain status-quo may have been the preference of the British who were heavily involved in the Politics of Old Calabar at this time. So much was British involvement in the selection of the Obong that when it was suggested that King Eyo Honesty II be consulted on the most suitable choice for the Obongship of Calabar, the suggestion was dismissed by Lieutenant Commander Selwyn. Reverend Anderson gives the following account of Efio-Okoho's Selection stating:
After a good deal of deliberation it was considered that for his superior wealth, extensive trade and connection with the original family (Duke Ephraim's line) Archibong Duke is the proper successor to Eyamba and rightful king of Duke Town[...]All the shipmasters voted Archibong as king; Mr Edgerley and I, the only missionaries present, did not vote at all. From Mr Young’s age, ability, and influence, it was agreed that he be recognised as premier. The meeting was held in our school room; and Lieutenant Selwyn having got all the information he wanted, at his request I sent for Archibong and Mr Young. Both came attended by large retinues. None were allowed to enter the schoolroom but the two chiefs[...] After a little talk, Mr Young gave up all claims to the Kingship and accepted the premiership[...]
It is necessary to note that while Efio-Okoho held the office of Obong of Calabar, Ntiero Ekpenyong succeeded Eyamba V as the sixth Iyamba in the Ekpe Efik Iboku. Furthermore, Ntiero held an office similar to Prime Minister of state during King Archibong's reign. Although, the two men never agreed with regard to policy and held contradicting views over political and social issues. After the election of Archibong I as the Obong of Calabar, he (Archibong) visited the Teaser where he was received with a royal salute of twenty-one guns.