Rivers State Governor, Sir 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 was held at Government House, Port Harcourt. Fubara congratulated the monarch on his successful emergence after the selection and coronation processes. He urged King Jeki VI to promote peace, unity, and inclusiveness in the kingdom.
Fubara charged the new monarch to extend a hand of fellowship to other contenders who lost out in the race, saying they should be regarded as comrades whose contributions are necessary for the progress and development of Opobo Kingdom. The governor apologized for his absence at the coronation of the new monarch, explaining that his non-attendance was due to his engagement in a “call to higher national service.” He stressed that his absence did not diminish his commitment to the kingdom or the transition process.
The governor said history would remember his administration for peacefully resolving the succession crisis surrounding the late Amanyanabo, King Douglas Dandeson Jaja, and facilitating the emergence, coronation, and recognition of a new monarch without another round of litigation. Fubara said the stool of the late king had been embroiled in a legal battle for more than 27 years. His administration deliberately deployed wisdom and consultation to manage the succession process and prevent a recurrence of the crisis.
Fubara dismissed insinuations that his absence from the coronation was politically motivated, insisting that the state government played a central role throughout the process. He said the government was involved in every logistics required for the process. The governor described Opobo as one of the most peaceful local government areas in Rivers State and urged the new monarch to maintain zero tolerance for crime and take decisive measures to protect the kingdom.
The governor cautioned King Jeki VI against compromising security because of family or kinship ties, stressing that the protection of lives and property should remain a priority under the new reign. Fubara expressed the hope that the new reign would bring greater development in education, healthcare, and small businesses, describing the three sectors as critical to addressing youth unemployment and curbing criminality.
In his acceptance speech, King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja Jeki VI pledged to build the kingdom on the pillars of service, inclusion, and vision. The monarch said his reign would honour the legacy of the great King Jaja, who founded the Opobo Kingdom 156 years ago through trade and diplomacy. He described the Staff of Office as more than a symbol of traditional authority, saying it represented a sacred trust from the Rivers State Government and the people to lead with justice, peace, and dignity.
King Jeki VI expressed gratitude to God, his ancestors, Governor Fubara, the Opobo Council of Alapu, titled citizens, elders, women, and youths for the confidence reposed in him to lead the kingdom into what he described as its “Sixth Chapter.” He pledged that his reign would make Opobo Kingdom a dependable partner in promoting peace, development, and unity in Rivers State. Fubara assured King Jeki VI of the continued support of his administration, both while in office and beyond.
Key points
- Governor Fubara urges King Jeki VI to promote peace, unity, and inclusiveness in the kingdom.
- The governor apologized for his absence at the coronation of the new monarch.
- King Jeki VI pledges to build the kingdom on the pillars of service, inclusion, and vision.
