Opobo Kingdom in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State has come alive with cultural and traditional activities as an 11-day programme leading to the coronation of King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja as Amanyanabo of Opobo begins.
Indigenes and visitors from across the country have continued to arrive in Opobo Town, creating a festive atmosphere as businesses record increased patronage ahead of the historic ceremony.
Accommodation facilities in the kingdom are also reportedly under pressure as guests arrive for the event, with some indigenes providing free accommodation for prominent guests and other visitors.
The festivities commenced on Friday with traditional rites, including the Asimini announcement, cannon firing and the telling of the ancient bell.
The celebration continued on Saturday night with an all-night performance by the Gburu Gburu, the collective group of the Nwaoatam masquerade. The event featured traditional music, dance and masquerade displays that continued into the early hours of Sunday.
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Saturday also featured the hoisting of the flags of the various Polo of the kingdom, highlighting Opobo’s traditional structure and cultural heritage.
The celebrations are expected to attract thousands of visitors as more activities unfold ahead of the coronation.
The programme will culminate on Saturday with the coronation of King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, alongside a traditional boat regatta and other cultural displays.
The ceremony is expected to bring together traditional rulers, political leaders, dignitaries, cultural groups, indigenes and visitors for one of the kingdom’s major cultural gatherings in recent years.
