On Friday, 2 October 2026, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State 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 in Government House, Port Harcourt. During the event, Governor Fubara congratulated the new monarch on successfully scaling the hurdles of selection and coronation.
Governor Fubara urged King Jaja Jeki VI to promote peace, unity, and inclusiveness in the kingdom. He advised the royal father to see contenders who lost out of the selection process not as victims but as comrades who must be carried along for the kingdom to move forward during his reign. The governor also apologized for his absence at the coronation, citing a call to higher national service.
Governor Fubara declared that his administration will be remembered for peacefully laying to rest the late King Douglas Dandeson Jaja and midwifing the emergence of a new monarch without litigation. He disclosed that the late king's stool was enmeshed in a legal battle that lasted over 27 years. The governor's administration intervened to manage the selection process, avoiding another round of court cases.
The governor emphasized that his government was fully responsible for the entire process, from the burial of the late king to the coronation and recognition. He clarified that his absence from the coronation was not intentional but due to a call to service. Governor Fubara described Opobo as one of the most peaceful Local Government Areas in the State.
Governor Fubara charged King Jaja Jeki VI to maintain zero tolerance for criminality and be intentional and decisive in protecting the kingdom. He prayed that the new reign will usher in greater development in education, healthcare, and small businesses. These, he said, remain the only sustainable antidotes to growing criminality among youths.
In an acceptance speech, King Jaja Jeki VI pledged to build Opobo on the pillars of service, inclusion, and vision. He described the Staff of Office as more than a symbol of authority, representing a sacred trust from the government and people of Rivers State to lead with justice, peace, and dignity. The new king assured the Rivers State Government that Opobo Kingdom will remain a dependable partner for peace, development, and unity.
King Jaja Jeki VI expressed deep gratitude to God, the ancestors, Governor 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. Governor Fubara assured the monarch of the continuous support of his administration both in and out of office.
Key points
- Governor Fubara presents staff of office to new Opobo king, urging peace and unity in the kingdom.
- The new king, King Jaja Jeki VI, pledges to build Opobo on the pillars of service, inclusion, and vision.
- Governor Fubara assures the monarch of his administration's continuous support.
