By Alice Onukwugha
Leadership of the Opobo Kingdom in Rivers State has stated that the coronation of its new King, His Majesty, King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, will not only be a ceremony to formally install the new monarch, but will also showcase the rich cultural heritage, traditional institutions and history of the ancient Kingdom.
Opobo Council of Chiefs stated this during a press briefing at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday, to formally announce the forthcoming coronation of the new king, describing it as a significant moment in the history of the kingdom and a continuation of one of the Niger Delta’s most historic traditional institutions.
Speaking on behalf of the Opobo Council of Chiefs, the Vice Chairman, Alapu Kubiri, Alabo Princewill Dappa, said the coronation, which is slated for September 26, will open a new chapter in the history of Opobo Kingdom, while preserving the legacy associated with the kingdom’s founder and historic ruler, King Jaja of Opobo.
“We are here to formally announced the forthcoming coronation of His Majesty, King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, Amanyanabo and Treaty King of Opobo Kingdom.
“The coronation activities will culminate in the grand coronation on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Opobo Town. This is a significant moment in the history of Opobo Kingdom.
“The Throne of King Jaja of Opobo is one of the most historic traditional institutions in the Niger Delta, with a legacy deeply associated with the courage, enterprise, diplomacy and leadership of King Jaja of Opobo,” Alabo Dappa said..
According to him, the throne has over the years remained closely associated with the courage, enterprise, diplomacy and leadership of King Jaja, whose legacy continues to shape the identity of Opobo.
“The coronation of Jeki VI marks the continuation of an enduring institution and the opening of a new chapter in the life of the Kingdom,” he said.
The Alapu Kubiri Vice Chairman notified that ahead of the ceremony, members of the Opobo Council of Chiefs have embarked on a series of traditional and diplomatic visits to prominent traditional and national leaders as part of preparations for the event.
The council said the visits were aimed at strengthening historic relationships and formally inviting dignitaries to the coronation. Among those visited, according to Alabo Dappa, was former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, alongside other respected kings and traditional rulers.
Alabo Dappa highlighted that the ceremony is expected to bring together Opobo people from within Nigeria and the diaspora, providing an opportunity for them to unite around the traditional institution and the future of the kingdom.
The council appealed to Rivers State residents, Nigerians, friends of Opobo and members of the international community to join in celebrating the occasion.
It also called on the media to help tell the broader story of Opobo, describing the kingdom’s history as one rooted in “heritage, resilience, leadership, enterprise and continuity.”
As guests are expected from different parts of Nigeria and beyond, the council urged residents and visitors to cooperate with arrangements being made for security, traffic management, protocol and general coordination.
The council said the September 26 ceremony would be “another defining moment” in the history of Opobo as King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, formally assumes the throne.
It also specifically invited members of the press to attend, report the event and document what it described as an important chapter in the history of the kingdom.
