The Carnival Calabar community has been plunged into mourning following the death of two of its renowned band leaders within the same week.
Dr. Iyam Ugot, leader of the Freedom Band, a respected figure in the carnival circuit, passed away on Friday, sending shockwaves through the state’s cultural community. Just two days later, on Sunday, news broke of the death of Hon. Chris Agibe, the former band leader of the acclaimed and Successful Passion 4 Band.
Their passing came shortly after Cross River State concluded its 20th anniversary celebrations in Abuja, marking a sombre turn for a state known for its vibrant display of culture and creativity.
The Carnival Calabar, often dubbed “Africa’s Biggest Street Party,” has long relied on the dedication of band leaders like Ugot and Agibe to maintain its global appeal and local pride. Their contributions to the growth of the event, especially in choreography, performance, and band organization, have left a lasting legacy.
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Tributes have been pouring in from cultural stakeholders, state officials, and carnival enthusiasts, with many describing the loss as a major blow to the creative industry in Cross River State.
Speaking on the demise of Dr Iyam, Special Adviser, Sports Development to Governor of Cross River State, and acting leader of Freedom Band Hon Ekanem Ekpenyong, in a statement said, : “It is with deep sense of loss and uncommon grief that the management of Freedom band announces the transition to glory of our Band Leader, Dr Iyam Uno Ugot who journeyed back to his creator on the 16th day of May, 2025 after a protracted ailment.
“Until his demise, he was a former two term Commissioner for Health, Consultant and Special Adviser to Governor Donald Duke on Roll back malaria, a former Special Adviser to Governor Liyel imoke on Community Health, former member, Cross River State Executive Council, seasoned Medical “Practitioner, former Exco member of the Nigerian Medical Association, a distinguished and prominent public health Researcher particularly known for his works in Infectious disease/health in Africa, a Politician and Band Leader of Freedom band from 2010 to DATE.
During this period of mourning, We pray to God for the peaceful repose of his soul.”
Also speaking , the chairman of the cross River state carnival commission, Sir Gabe Onah, described Dr. Iyam Ugot as an amiable and agreeable personality who has a gallant soul stating that
“He was a compassionate man and a team player .
He has only gone the way of all mortals
Rt. Hon. Ntol Chris Ngoro Agibe, a two-term member of the House of Representatives for Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency between 2015 and 2023. A onetime commissioner for Agriculture, Finance and member of the CRS Executive council, he was also a onetime Executive Secretary of CRS carnival commission where he introduced a lot of innovations in the evolution of carnival Calabar notably the introduction of the frontline girls to spice the artistic content of the Carnival Calabar genre
His love for culture and community expression was further exemplified in his role as one of the founding leaders of the innovative and iconic Passion 4 Carnival Band at the inception of Carnival Calabar as member of the Pioneer experiential training team to Trinidad and Tobago 2005. Under his leadership, Passion 4 became a vibrant symbol of creativity, winning several awards at least eleven times as Band of the year and promoting the Carnival beyond the shores of Nigeria — a legacy that continues to energize Carnival Calabar. He has led studies to compare and contrast the artistic depth and business modules of Rio Brazil , Trinidad & Tobago, and carnival Calabar as distinct concepts all distinctively approached.
He was seen as the creative genius of the Carnival a Workhouse respected by all.
Also, commenting on the demise of the former band leaders, Special Adviser Events Management, Governor’s Office and Chairman of Carnival Calabar & Festival Committee, Effiong Ekpenyong, said: “The recent passing of Hon. Chris Agibe, former leader of the Passion 4 Band, and Dr. Iyam Ugot, leader of the Freedom Band, marks a profound loss for the Carnival Calabar community.
“Hon. Agibe, who led Passion 4 to an unprecedented ten victories in fifteen years, was celebrated for his unwavering commitment, creativity, and dedication to nurturing young talent through the carnival platform.
“Dr. Ugot’s leadership of the Freedom Band was instrumental in bringing to life the band’s vibrant themes and performances, contributing significantly to the carnival’s rich cultural tapestry.
“Their visionary guidance and passion not only elevated their respective bands but also played a pivotal role in shaping Carnival Calabar into Africa’s premier street party. Their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of performers and organizers, ensuring that the spirit of the carnival endures.
“May their souls rest in peace Amen.”
The Executive Secretary Carnival Calabar commission, Austin Cobham said: “Carnival Calabar is passing through its darkest times. With the sad loss of two band leaders in quick succession, we really need God’s grace to pass through this storm. This is indeed a collective loss to all of us.”
