King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja has been crowned as the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom in Rivers State, Nigeria. The coronation ceremony took place at the King Jaja Square in Opobo Town, the headquarters of Opobo/Nkoro local government area. The event was attended by high-profile personalities, including traditional rulers and government officials. King Jaja's coronation marks him as the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo since its founding in 1870 by the legendary King Jaja.
King Jaja, who takes the title of Jeki the Sixth, was anointed and crowned by the Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja. The previous Amanyanabo, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, passed away last year and was laid to rest on April 11 this year. King Charles expressed gratitude to those who attended the coronation and promised to protect the freedom and rights of Opobo people, vowing not to bring the throne to disrepute.
In his inaugural address, King Charles emphasized his commitment to development, unity, and global relevance. He stated that his reign would build on the courageous foundation laid by the founders of Opobo, particularly referencing the exodus of 1870 as a journey to freedom. King Charles' vision for his reign is centered around progress and maintaining the dignity of the throne.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, a prominent Nigerian statesman, congratulated King Jaja on his coronation. Jonathan recalled King Jaja of Opobo's historical significance, highlighting his fight for freedom, which is acknowledged globally. Jonathan urged King Jaja to ensure his reign brings peace, development, and unity to Opobo, and to give the kingdom the respect it deserves.
The governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, was represented by the deputy governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, at the coronation ceremony. Fubara described the event as a celebration of Rivers State's identity and culture. He acknowledged the role of traditional rulers in preserving the culture and heritage of the people and prayed that King Jaja's reign would be marked by wisdom, peace, and progress.
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, also attended the coronation and spoke about the historical relationship between Onitsha and Opobo. Achebe described King Jaja as an honest man who worked tirelessly to free and prosper his people. He prayed for the peace and progress of Opobo kingdom, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation between traditional kingdoms.
The coronation ceremony was attended by numerous traditional rulers from across Nigeria, including the Obong of Calabar and the Amanyanabo of Bonny. King Edward Asimini Dappa Pepple, Olubof Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and several others were in attendance. The gathering highlighted the significance of King Jaja's coronation and the unity among traditional kingdoms in Nigeria.
Key points
- King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja was crowned as the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom.
- The coronation ceremony was attended by high-profile personalities, including traditional rulers and government officials.
- King Jaja has vowed to protect the freedom and rights of Opobo people and ensure his reign brings development, unity, and global relevance.
