Governor Siminalayi Fubara has presented the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the newly installed Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja, Jeki the Sixth, at Government House, Port Harcourt.
Governor Fubara described the formal recognition, which occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, as the culmination of the coronation process that followed the death of the late Amanyanabo, King Dandison Douglas Jaja.
He noted that the late monarch’s reign was marked by a protracted legal battle lasting more than 27 years, and stressed that the peaceful resolution of the succession process had averted another round of litigation.
Fubara said he was proud to have supported the process to a peaceful conclusion, providing necessary logistics throughout. He explained that his absence from the coronation was due to an official call to service and should not be given any political interpretation, adding that his commitment remained firm from start to finish.
The Governor congratulated the new Amanyanabo and urged him to unite all interests in the kingdom, including those who contested the throne.
He advised the monarch to regard those who lost the selection process as comrades whose contributions remain essential to Opobo’s progress.
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Fubara charged the king to prioritise development in education, healthcare, small and medium-scale enterprises, and the fight against crime.
Noting that Opobo/Nkoro remains one of the most peaceful local government areas in Rivers State, the Governor urged the new king to maintain that reputation and take a firm stance against criminality.
He assured the Amanyanabo of the state government’s continued support and challenged titled citizens to move beyond ceremonial financial contributions to projects with lasting impact.
Responding, King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja expressed gratitude to God, the ancestors and Governor Fubara. He described the Staff of Office as a sacred trust to serve with justice, peace and dignity.
The monarch pledged to make Opobo a partner for peace, development and the unity of Rivers State, focusing his reign on service, inclusion and vision.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Patrick Ndukwe, stated that the presentation was in accordance with the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Law Number 4 of 2015.
