King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, was crowned the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom on Saturday at Jaja Square, Opobo Town. The coronation ceremony marked the climax of activities that began on September 17, 2026, to celebrate the emergence of the new monarch and the rich cultural heritage of the historic Opobo Kingdom. The event was attended by former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, representatives of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and other dignitaries.
In his coronation address, King Charles pledged to uphold the sovereignty and dignity of the kingdom and to serve with truth, justice, and unity. He vowed to work with academics and professionals to formulate policies on education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and the marine economy to improve the society. The monarch's reign will focus on preservation of cultural heritage, development-focused traditional leadership, and constructive relations with government.
King Charles stressed the importance of collaboration between traditional institutions and government, noting that they are partners for peace, security, and development. He called on intervention agencies and relevant organisations to partner with Opobo Kingdom in addressing its development challenges, including sustainable roads and jetties, shoreline protection, quality healthcare, and higher educational institutions.
The coronation comes more than 150 years after the establishment of Opobo Kingdom, one of the historic Ibani kingdoms of the Eastern Niger Delta. The kingdom emerged from a political conflict in Grand Bonny in 1869, when Chief Jack Jaja Annie Pepple, known in Ibani tradition as Juwojuwo, and members of the Opubo Annie Pepple group departed Bonny and established a new settlement near the Imo River estuary.
Former President Jonathan congratulated King Charles and the people of Opobo, describing the history of King Jaja as one of the notable stories of the Niger Delta. Jonathan assured the new monarch that government institutions would work with him to support the development of the kingdom. He expressed confidence that King Charles' reign will bring peace, development, and unity to Opobo.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Prof. Ngozi conveyed the governor's goodwill message to the new monarch, describing the coronation as a celebration of the history, identity, culture, and heritage of Opobo Kingdom. Fubara urged King Charles to continue serving as a custodian of Opobo's heritage and a partner in the development of Rivers State.
The Obi of Onitsha, Nnayelugo Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, congratulated King Charles, recalling the longstanding relationship between Opobo and Onitsha, built on trade and mutual respect. Achebe prayed for continued peace, growth, and development in Opobo and expressed hope that the relationship between Opobo and Onitsha would continue to strengthen under King Charles' leadership.
Key points
- King Charles Jaja pledges to work with academics and professionals to improve education, healthcare, and the marine economy in Opobo Kingdom.
- The coronation ceremony was attended by former President Goodluck Jonathan and representatives of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
- King Charles' reign will focus on preservation of cultural heritage, development-focused traditional leadership, and constructive relations with government.
