Definitively, the Efik word-ABASI does not translate to God Almighty as many people often erroneously think. Rather, Abasi is Efik generic name for whatever thing or being is being venerated, deified or designed and trusted as the basic source of humans’ existence hope or faith in material or non- material object of culture and/or religion (Hogan, 2024).
Therefore, Abasi could be a living or non-living thing; a natural or super- natural being; an animal, tree, rock, an artwork and/or totem… but not necessarily God …as expatiated below.
TYPES OF ABASI
1. ABASI IBOM
Directly translated to Ibom deity, this phrase generally refers to ever god/extra-mundane being that naturally/spiritually exists in boundless bodies as the open space (sky) and mighty waters as the seas/oceans called INYAÑ IBOM in Efik. This precisely includes but is not limited to Ndem (marine deities) and/or “air spirits” with unlimited reach/boundless existence.
2. ATA ABASI/AKWA ABASI IBOM ENYỌÑ
Despite being mostly used as “Abasi Ibom” in 1. above to mean the shortened form of the Efik name for God, it remains a fact that Efik rightly calls God- ATA or AKWA ABASI/ABASI IBOM ENYỌÑ, translated to THE REAL GOD or ALMIGHTY GOD OF HEAVEN. Note against doubt that this truth…. is self-explained and/or asserted by the use of ATA (real), AKWA (Almighty, Great or Mighty), and EYOÑ (Heaven, Space) to differentiate God from the gods of the waters and air. Late Chief Peter Effiom corroborated it when he sang; “Akwa Abasi Ibom Enyọñ Nyaña Nditọ fo” (Almighty God of Heaven safe your children). He equally sang- “Etinyin ke Enyọñ o, ATA ABASI….”
3. ABASI UBỌK OWO
This is Efik general name for man made gods. They include but are not limited to idols, totems, ancestral spirits (MBUKPO), Juju (IBỌK) and NDEM.
4. ABASI ISỌÑ
This is a broader name for 3.above. It is mainly used when directly or indirectly comparing/ constrasting between ATA ABASI [IBOM ENYỌÑ] and deities/man made gods.
