The Opobo Kingdom in Rivers State has a new king, King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, who was crowned as the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo. The coronation ceremony, held at Jaja Square, Opobo Town, 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 dignitaries, including former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and his wife.
King Charles was born in 1959 into the royal family of Opobo and was crowned by Emmanuel Oko-Jaja, Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese. The coronation comes more than 150 years after the establishment of Opobo Kingdom, one of the historic Ibani kingdoms of the 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.
December 25, 1870, is traditionally recognised as the date of the establishment of Opobo Kingdom, with Jaja becoming its first Amanyanabo. Under King Jaja, Opobo developed into a major political and commercial power in the Oil Rivers region, particularly through the palm produce trade. The kingdom's rich history and cultural heritage were on display during the coronation ceremony, which was attended by representatives of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and other dignitaries.
The Opobo/ Nkoro LGA of Rivers State is made up of two Ijaw Clans known as Opobo and Nkoro Clans with different communities under them. The Opobo Clan is of the Ibani- Ijaw subgroup of the Ijaw tribe, while the Nkoro Clan is of the Okrika -Ijaw subgroup of the Ijaw tribe. This diversity is reflected in the kingdom's cultural practices and traditions, which were celebrated during the coronation ceremony.
Opobo has a high level of education, with the highest literacy rate in the Niger delta and the highest concentration of professors in the region. The kingdom has a long history of sending its children overseas for studies, with over 60% of families sending their kids abroad for education. This practice started as far back as the 18th century when the children of nobles were sent to England to acquire western education through Opobo seaport.
The people of Opobo are known for their good manners, which are imbibed in their culture. They are also mostly educated and polished, with a high level of excellence in life. Prominent Opobo indigenes include Governor Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara, the current governor of Rivers state, and other notable individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of the region.
The coronation of King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, marks a new era for the Opobo Kingdom, which is expected to continue to play a significant role in the cultural and economic development of the Niger Delta region. The kingdom's rich history and cultural heritage will continue to be celebrated, and its people will continue to excel in various fields, both locally and internationally.
Key points
- King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, has been crowned as the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom.
- The coronation ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and his wife.
- Opobo Kingdom has a rich cultural heritage and a high level of education, with the highest literacy rate in the Niger delta.
