King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja has been formally crowned the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, taking over one of the Niger Delta’s most historic traditional stools with a pledge to protect the rights of his people and lead the kingdom toward development and greater global relevance.
The colourful coronation ceremony, held on Saturday at King Jaja Square in the heart of Opobo, attracted prominent Nigerians, political leaders and traditional rulers from across the country.
King Charles, who takes the traditional title Jeki VI, succeeds the late King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, who died last year and was buried on April 11, 2026.
The new monarch was anointed and crowned by the Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja, formally ushering him into the royal lineage associated with the legendary King Jaja of Opobo, who founded the kingdom following the historic exodus of 1870.
Speaking after his coronation, Jeki VI expressed gratitude to the dignitaries and citizens who travelled to Opobo for the ceremony.
He pledged to defend the freedom and rights of his people while preserving the dignity and traditions of the throne.“I will never bring dishonour to the throne that Chief Jaja and the founders of Opobo built with courage,” the king declared.
“The exodus of 1870 was a journey to freedom. Our journey in 2026 is a journey to development, unity and global relevance.
”Former President Goodluck Jonathan congratulated the new monarch and the people of Opobo, recalling the historical significance of King Jaja and his struggle for economic and political freedom.
Jonathan urged the new king to use his reign to promote peace, unity and development while upholding the dignity and values for which the kingdom is known.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, described the coronation as a celebration of the history, identity and cultural heritage of Rivers State.
He noted the important role of traditional rulers as custodians of the customs and traditions of their people and prayed that the reign of Jeki VI would be characterised by wisdom, peace and progress.
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, also highlighted the historical links between Onitsha and Opobo. He described the original King Jaja as a courageous leader who fought for the freedom and prosperity of his people and prayed for a peaceful and prosperous reign for the new monarch.
The ceremony attracted traditional rulers from across Nigeria, including the Obong of Calabar; the Amanyanabo of Bonny, King Edward Asimini Dappa Pepple; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; Eze Eberechi Oji, Eze Aro; Eze Iweka III of Obosi; King Buribaye Dakolo of Ekpetiama Kingdom; and Eze Eberiuogo of Omuma, among others.
The coronation marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Opobo, a kingdom whose political, cultural and commercial influence dates back more than 150 years.
For Jeki VI, the task ahead will be to preserve the legacy of the kingdom while translating the symbolism and authority of the throne into greater unity, development and opportunities for a new generation of Opobo people.
