Former President Goodluck Jonathan has pledged his support for the newly crowned Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, and expressed confidence that his reign will bring peace, unity and development to the kingdom.
Jonathan made the remarks on Saturday in a goodwill message delivered at the coronation ceremony of the new Opobo monarch at King Jaja Square, Opobo, Rivers State.The ceremony attracted prominent Nigerians, traditional rulers, political leaders and other dignitaries who gathered to celebrate the ascension of the new king.
King Jaja Becomes Sixth Amanyanabo of OpoboKing Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja was crowned the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, succeeding the late King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, who was buried on April 11, 2026.
The new monarch adopted the traditional title Jeki VI, succeeding the historic King Jaja, who founded the Opobo Kingdom following the 1870 exodus.
The coronation ceremony included the anointing and crowning of the monarch by the Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja.Jonathan, while reflecting on the history of the Opobo throne, highlighted the contributions of the kingdom’s founding monarch, King Jaja, to the history and development of the Niger Delta.
He urged the new king to preserve the legacy of his predecessors while working closely with government institutions to promote development in Opobo Kingdom.
“We believe that your reign will bring peace to Opobo, will bring development to Opobo, will bring unity to Opobo, and you will fly this community, this kingdom, and it will bring the respect that it deserves,” Jonathan said.
The former president also assured the monarch of cooperation from government institutions in advancing the welfare of the people.“All our government and institutions, as you requested, will work with you to develop our people,” he added.
Fubara Urges Traditional Rulers to Preserve HeritageRivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, represented at the ceremony by his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, described the coronation as a historic celebration of the state’s rich tradition and culture.
Fubara said traditional institutions play an important role in preserving cultural values, promoting unity and maintaining peace across communities.“As a government, we recognise the important role traditional institutions play in preserving our cultural values, promoting unity and maintaining peace within our communities,” the governor said.
He urged traditional rulers across Rivers State to remain custodians of their communities’ heritage and partners in the state’s development.Fubara also called on King Jaja to provide purposeful leadership and contribute to the development and stability of Opobo Kingdom and Rivers State.
“May you provide purposeful leadership to your people and continue to contribute to the development and stability of Rivers State. Like Solomon in the Bible, may God Almighty grant you divine wisdom and knowledge to rule over your people,” he said.
Obi of Onitsha Highlights Opobo-Onitsha Ties
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, also attended the coronation and recalled the historic relationship between Opobo and Onitsha. LAchebe described the relationship as one rooted in trade and mutual respect, noting that the ties had been maintained by successive generations.
“First of all, it is the historic link between Opobo and Onitsha which is based on trade and mutual respect. And our predecessors have continued that relationship,” he said.He prayed for continued growth and prosperity for Opobo Kingdom.“My prayer is that Opobo will continue to grow and flourish,” Achebe added.
King Jaja Pledges to Lead Opobo With Truth and Unity
In his acceptance speech, the newly crowned Amanyanabo pledged to uphold the sovereignty and dignity of Opobo Kingdom and lead his people with truth, justice and unity.
“As I ascend the throne of King Jaja and am crowned Jeki VI today, I pledge before God and the ancestors: I will uphold the sovereignty and dignity of Opobo. I will serve with truth, justice and unity,” the monarch declared.
King Jaja said his administration would build on the courage and sacrifices of the founders of Opobo while pursuing a new era focused on development, unity and global relevance.“The exodus of 1870 was a journey to freedom. Our journey in 2026 is a journey to development, unity and global relevance,” he said.
The coronation marks a new chapter in the history of Opobo Kingdom, with the new monarch expected to work with traditional institutions, government authorities and other stakeholders in promoting peace, cultural preservation and development across the kingdom.
