Members of the Abonnema Council of Chiefs have visited the palace of the Amanyanabo-elect of Opobo Kingdom, Prince Charles D. Jaja, to commiserate with the royal family and the people of the ancient kingdom on the demise of His Majesty, King (Dr) Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V.
The delegation, led by His Highness Dumo Lulu-Briggs, Iniikeiroari VI, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the revered monarch, describing the visit as one of solidarity and shared grief between the two Kalabari communities.
In a statement after the visit, the leader of the delegation noted that the mission was to stand with the Amanyanabo-elect and the good people of Opobo during this period of mourning.
“We came to share in the pain of the kingdom following the passing of a great monarch whose reign will be remembered for his wisdom, commitment to peace, love, and deep regard for his people,” he said.
He acknowledged that the late King Jaja’s wisdom was still needed in the affairs of the kingdom and the wider region, but added that as mortals under the will of the Almighty, the people could only submit to divine purpose and look forward with hope.
The delegation reassured the Amanyanabo-elect of the continued prayers and support of the people of Abonnema, emphasising the strong cultural and historical ties binding the two riverine kingdoms.
Of particular note to the leader of the delegation His Highness Dumo Lulu-Briggs was the timing of the monarch’s passing, which occurred seven years after the demise of his own father, High Chief (Dr.) Olu Benson Lulu-Briggs, a coincidence that made the visit deeply personal.
He offered thanks to God for the opportunity to extend comfort and encouragement to the Opobo royal family, stressing that greater glory lies ahead for the kingdom under the new leadership.
The Abonnema chiefs also pledged their presence at the funeral ceremony scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026, to join the people of Opobo in bidding a befitting farewell to the departed monarch.
King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, who ascended the throne in 2004, was widely regarded as a custodian of Opobo’s rich heritage, following in the footsteps of the legendary King Jaja of Opobo.
