The newly installed Amanyanabo of Opobo, King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, on Monday received his certificate of recognition and staff of office from the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
King Charles Jaja, who was accompanied by senior chiefs of Opobo kingdom, was received by the Governor in company with the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi odu, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, and other members of the State executive Council.
The coronation of Amanyanabo of Opobo as Jeki VI took place on Saturday, September 26 at King Jaja Square in Opobo Nkoro Local Government Area. The ceremony attracted prominent traditional rulers, political leaders, former public office holders and other dignitaries from across the South-South and South-East geopolitical zones.
While congratulating the new monarch, Governor Fubara apologized for his absence at the coronation, declared that history would remember his administration for peacefully laying to rest the late King, Douglas Dandeson Jaja, and mid-wifing the emergence of a new monarch without litigation.
He said the true test of kingship is in the management of success, and prayed that the new reign will usher in greater development in education, healthcare and small businesses, which he said remain the only sustainable antidotes to the growing criminality among youths.
The Governor, who described Opobo as one of the most peaceful Local Government Areas in the State, charged the new king to maintain zero tolerance for criminality, to be intentional and decisive in protecting the kingdom, and not to compromise on security on the grounds of kinship.
Governor Fubara assured the monarch of the continuous support of his administration both in and out of office, while also charging the Alapu Council to guide the king and the titled citizens to redirect their purpose from mere ceremonial uniformity to initiating tangible development projects that will be visible in the kingdom within the next one year.
Amanyanabo of Opobo pledged to build Opobo on the pillars of service, inclusion and vision in honour of the legacy of the great King Jaja, who founded the kingdom 156 years ago with trade and diplomacy.
The monarch described the staff of office as a sacred trust from the government and people of Rivers State to lead with justice, peace and dignity.
He thanked God, his ancestors, the governor, Opobo chiefs and citizens for the confidence reposed in him to lead Opobo, and assured that Opobo would be a dependable partner for peace, development and unity of Rivers State.
