Niger Delta activist, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Asari-Dokubo on Sunday 24 May joined thousands of dignitaries from across the world to witness the historic transition of power in the Republic of Benin, as outgoing President Patrice Talon formally handed over leadership to the newly inaugurated President Ramona Wadagni.
The colourful ceremony that took place at the Palais des Congrès de Cotonou, attracted world leaders, diplomats, royals, business figures and respected traditional authorities from different parts of the globe.
For Alhaji Dokubo, the occasion went beyond diplomacy and state protocol as President Wadagni is said to be a longtime friend of the revered Kalabari monarch, and his presence at the inauguration was a demonstration of loyalty, friendship and enduring personal ties built over many years.
Alhaji Dokubo is widely regarded as a major stakeholder in the Republic of Benin, a country he has maintained deep ties with for more than two decades.
He is the proprietor of the King Amachree International Children’s School and the defunct King Amachree University.
The King Amachree Children’s school has for many years been an international school with students coming from Congo, Togo, Ghana and Nigeria.
Over the years, he has also established significant investments in real estate, hospitality and other business interests within the country, making the Republic of Benin a true second home to him.
In keeping with the rich traditions of ancient Kalabari royalty, the Amanyanabo was accompanied on the visit by the eminent Kalabari chiefs and respected personalities such as Se-Alabo EMI Membere-Otaji, MD, DSSRS, OON, Chief Executive Officer of Elscon Group and Deputy National President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.Also present were Se-Opu Alabo Dr. David T. Briggs, Deuin-Ala XII of Kalabari, Paramount Chief of the Ancient Deuin-Ala Chieftaincy House (1968), and Prince Tonye T. J. T. Princewill, Da OGO VI, Head of the Queen Elababene/Da OGO Group of Houses of the Kalabari Kingdom.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the inauguration ceremony, Dokubo described the Republic of Benin as a place that has consistently shown him warmth, acceptance and friendship.
“The Republic of Benin has been a second home to me. I have always enjoyed the hospitality of the great people of this country, and I am here on the invitation of the President to honour him and this great nation,” he said.
Renowned for his deep respect for friendship, loyalty and longstanding relationships, Dabaye Amakiri is also known to share a close personal relationship spanning over three decades with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria.
Three days earlier, driving into the Republic of Benin via the Seme land Border, Dabaye Amakiri stopped over to exchange pleasantries with the new Deputy controller General of Immigration.
Who was happy to receive the revered monarch and graciously stepped out for a few minutes for photos with Dabaye Amakiri and his team
