…coronation unites traditional rulers across South-South, South-East
King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja was on Saturday formally installed as the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom in Rivers State, taking the traditional title of Jeki VI.
The colourful coronation ceremony, held at the King Jaja Square in the heart of Opobo, attracted prominent traditional rulers, political leaders, former public office holders and other dignitaries from across the South-South and South-East geopolitical zones.
Among the royal fathers at the ceremony were the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, Chairman of the South-South Council of Traditional Rulers; the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Ebanaowei of Ekpetiama and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers; and the Amanyanabo of Bonny, King Edward Asimini Dappa Pepple.
The Chairman of the Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Iweka III, was also represented, while the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers was represented by Eze Onyekachi Omaonwu, Eze Eberi Omuma.
With his installation, King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja becomes the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo and assumes the title Jeki VI, in the line of the legendary King Jaja, who founded the Opobo Kingdom in 1870.
The new monarch succeeds the late King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, the immediate past Amanyanabo of Opobo, who died last year and was buried on April 11, 2026.
The king was anointed and crowned by the Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja.
Speaking after his coronation, King Charles thanked the traditional rulers, dignitaries, friends and people of Opobo who attended the ceremony, promising to protect the freedom, rights and interests of his people.
He also pledged not to bring the traditional institution into disrepute.
“I will never bring dishonour to the throne that Chief Jaja and the founders of Opobo built with courage. The exodus of 1870 was a journey to freedom. Our journey in 2026 is a journey to development, unity and global relevance,” he declared.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan congratulated the new monarch and the people of Opobo on the successful coronation.
Jonathan recalled the historical significance of King Jaja of Opobo, describing him as a prominent figure whose struggle for freedom had gained recognition beyond Nigeria.
He urged the new monarch to use his reign to promote peace, development and unity in Opobo and to uphold the dignity and respect associated with the kingdom.
The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, described the coronation as a celebration of the identity and cultural heritage of Rivers State.
According to him, the state government recognises the important role of traditional rulers in preserving the culture, history and heritage of the people.
He prayed that the reign of King Charles would be characterised by wisdom, peace and progress.
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, spoke on the historic relationship between Onitsha and Opobo, describing the founder of Opobo Kingdom, King Jaja, as a man who worked for the freedom and prosperity of his people.
Achebe prayed for peace, unity and progress in Opobo Kingdom under the new monarch.
The coronation also featured colourful traditional displays, cultural performances and goodwill messages from friends, associates and other public figures who attended the historic ceremony.
