Calabar – PCS Ogar Osim, Managing Director of StarCross Television, has described a recent viral video circulating on social media as a deliberate attempt to create fear and disrupt the upcoming birthday celebrations of the spiritual leader of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS), His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu. The annual event, scheduled to take place from November 18 to 24, typically draws visitors from across the globe to Calabar NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
In the video, alleged dissidents of the Brotherhood are seen in a rowdy setting, bringing down and smashing a photograph frame of His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, a scene that has sparked outrage among members and leaders of the organization. The footage, widely shared on Facebook and other platforms in Akwa Ibom and Cross River cyberspaces, has been condemned by the Brotherhood as an act of provocation and sacrilege.
Speaking to a set of bloggers and journalists in Calabar, Osim clarified the context of the incident, noting that it occurred at a property owned by the BCS on Nsikak Eduok Road, Uyo. The property had been the subject of a long-standing legal dispute with a dissident group. Osim explained that the Appeal Court recently reaffirmed the Brotherhood’s ownership of the property, dismissing the claims of the dissidents.
“Some individuals who misunderstood the court’s ruling bribed policemen and stormed the property, leading to the chaotic scene seen in the video,” Osim said. He added that the court is reportedly furious over the group’s actions, which violated the judgment, and the Inspector General of Police has ordered an investigation into the policemen involved for misguiding the newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State.
Osim dismissed claims of division within the Brotherhood, asserting that the organization remains united under the leadership of His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu. He attributed the actions depicted in the video to hired miscreants rather than genuine members of the Brotherhood.
“No Brotherhood member would engage in such acts. It goes against our values and beliefs. Whoever posted this video did so with the intent to disrupt our activities and create fear, but they will not succeed,” Osim said.
He reassured the public of the safety and security of Cross River State, emphasizing the peaceful atmosphere in Calabar. Osim urged adherents and visitors to disregard the video and attend the upcoming celebrations.
“The Brotherhood of the Cross and Star has always been a center of spiritual pilgrimage, and this event will be no different. We are ready to welcome people from all over the world,” he concluded.
Efforts to reach members of the dissident group for comments were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. Meanwhile, the Brotherhood’s leadership has reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and pursuing legal recourse to resolve any disputes.
A visit to 34 Ambo street in Calabar, the headquarters of the BCS suggest calm and tranquility and no recent incident of chaos as initially suggested by the viral video footage. The viral video has reignited conversations about the organization’s internal dynamics, but leaders insist the Brotherhood remains steadfast in its mission and united in its faith.
