Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has formally presented the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the new Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja, Jeki VI. The presentation ceremony took place at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday. Fubara urged the new monarch to promote peace, unity, and inclusiveness in the kingdom. He congratulated King Jaja on successfully scaling the hurdles of selection and coronation.
Fubara apologized for his absence at the September 26 coronation, citing a call to higher national service. He stated that his spirit and soul were fully with the kingdom throughout the process. The governor expressed pride in the successful transition, noting that the late King Dandeson Douglas Jaja's stool had been embroiled in a 27-year legal battle. Fubara credited his administration with managing the selection process and preventing further court cases.
The governor emphasized that his government was fully involved in the process from the burial of the late king to the coronation and recognition of the new monarch. He clarified that his absence at the coronation was not intentional, but rather due to a call to service. Fubara urged those who tried to politicize his absence to stop, stating that his administration provided all necessary logistics for the process.
Fubara highlighted that the true test of kingship lies in managing success. He prayed that the new reign would usher in greater development in education, healthcare, and small businesses, which he described as sustainable antidotes to growing youth criminality. The governor charged King Jaja to maintain zero tolerance for criminality and be intentional and decisive in protecting the kingdom.
The governor assured King Jaja of his administration's continuous support and charged the Alapu Council to guide the king and titled citizens in redirecting their purpose from ceremonial activities to initiating tangible development projects. These projects should be visible in the kingdom within the next year. Fubara described Opobo as one of the most peaceful local government areas in the state.
In his acceptance speech, King Jaja Jeki VI pledged to build the kingdom on the pillars of service, inclusion, and vision, in honor of the legacy of King Jaja, who founded the kingdom 156 years ago through trade and diplomacy. The new monarch described the Staff of Office as a sacred trust from the government and people of Rivers State to lead with justice, peace, and dignity.
King Jaja Jeki VI expressed gratitude to God, the ancestors, Fubara, the Opobo Council of Alapu, titled citizens, elders, women, and youths for the confidence reposed in him to lead Opobo into its sixth chapter. The coronation of Jeki VI took place at King Jaja Square in Opobo Town on September 26, with dignitaries such as former President Goodluck Jonathan and traditional rulers in attendance.
Key points
- Fubara presents Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja, Jeki VI.
- The governor urges the new monarch to promote peace, unity, and inclusiveness in the kingdom.
- King Jaja Jeki VI pledges to build the kingdom on the pillars of service, inclusion, and vision.
