Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, have urged traditional rulers in Rivers State to provide selfless leadership and be custodians of their communities' traditions and heritage. They made the call at the coronation of King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, Amanyanabo (King) of Opobo Kingdom in Rivers State. Jonathan congratulated the new king, assuring him of his support and guidance.
Jonathan recalled the history of the throne, particularly its first occupant, King Jaja, who had a significant impact on the Niger Delta region. He expressed his confidence that the new king's reign would bring peace, development, and unity to Opobo, and that he would earn the respect the kingdom deserves. Jonathan also assured the king that the government and institutions would work with him to develop the community.
Governor Fubara, represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, emphasized the importance of preserving traditions and passing them down to future generations. He described the coronation as a celebration of tradition and culture, and recognized the role traditional rulers play in the development of the state. Fubara called for a partnership between the throne and the government.
Fubara urged the monarch to provide purposeful leadership, praying that his reign would be marked by progress for the kingdom. He encouraged traditional rulers to continue serving as custodians of heritage and partners in the state's development. The governor emphasized the importance of preserving cultural values, promoting unity, and maintaining peace within communities.
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, noted the historic link between Opobo and Onitsha, which is based on trade and mutual respect. He recalled the bitter experiences of King Jaja with the British government, expressing gratitude that his struggles had become a rich history for the Opobo people. Achebe promised that the partnership between Opobo and Onitsha would continue.
The newly installed monarch, King Jaja, pledged to uphold the sovereignty and dignity of the kingdom. He vowed to serve with truth, justice, and unity, and to never bring dishonour to the throne. King Jaja appreciated the Rivers State Government, dignitaries, and organizations for their support. He also acknowledged the exodus of 1870 as a journey to freedom and his coronation as a journey to development, unity, and global relevance.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the wife of former President Dame Patience Jonathan, the Olu of Warri, the Obi of Onitsha, and the King of Bonny Kingdom. Others present were the Obong of Calabar, the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, and the MD/CEO of NDDC.
Key points
- Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Siminalayi Fubara urge traditional rulers in Rivers State to provide selfless leadership.
- The coronation of King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, marks a celebration of tradition and culture in Opobo Kingdom.
- The event highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting unity in Rivers State.
