[5] Although not much is known regarding his early life, he grew up under the care of his Father Ephraim Adam (Alias Tete), and his mother Akwa Edem Itu.

On the death of his father in 1874, his aunty Queen Duke (Afiong Umo Edem) took control of the Ephraim Adam household.

[8] Adam was brought up under her tutelage and assumed the headship of his father's house after the death of Queen Duke in 1888.

However, Prince Asibong died on September 21, 1900, which led to the initial preferred choice of Adam as the most suitable candidate.

[13] These native councils set up by the High Commissioner Sir C. M. Macdonald in 1895 operated as the administrative and judicial body of Calabar.