Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has formally presented the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the new Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja, Jeki VI, urging the monarch to promote peace, unity and inclusiveness in the kingdom.
The presentation took place at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday, following the monarch’s coronation as the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom.
Key Highlights
- Fubara presents the Staff of Office and Certificate of Recognition to King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja, Jeki VI.
- The governor urges the new Amanyanabo of Opobo to promote peace, unity and inclusiveness.
- Fubara asks the monarch to carry along contenders who lost out during the selection process.
- The governor says the selection process avoided another prolonged legal dispute.
- Fubara calls for greater focus on education, healthcare and small businesses.
- The monarch pledges to lead Opobo on the principles of service, inclusion and vision.
- King Jaja VI says Opobo will remain a partner for peace, development and unity in Rivers State.
Fubara Presents Staff of Office to Opobo Monarch
Congratulating King Jaja VI, Governor Fubara urged the new monarch to see those who contested the traditional stool but were unsuccessful as partners in the development of Opobo Kingdom.
He called on the monarch to ensure that all sections of the kingdom were carried along during his reign.
Fubara also apologised for his absence at the monarch’s coronation, explaining that he was away on an official national assignment.
The governor said his absence should not be interpreted as a lack of support for the traditional institution or the people of Opobo.
Fubara Recalls 27-Year Legal Dispute Over Opobo Stool
Fubara said his administration was involved in efforts to ensure a peaceful transition following the death and burial of the late Amanyanabo, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja.
According to the governor, the traditional stool had previously been involved in a legal dispute lasting more than 27 years.
He said his administration worked with relevant stakeholders to manage the selection process and prevent another prolonged court battle.
Fubara said history would remember his administration for overseeing the transition from the late monarch to the new Amanyanabo without another round of litigation.
He also rejected what he described as attempts to politicise his absence from the coronation, maintaining that it was due to an official call to service.
Fubara Tasks New Opobo King on Peace, Security
The governor described Opobo as one of the peaceful local government areas in Rivers State and charged the new monarch to maintain that environment.
He urged King Jaja VI to adopt zero tolerance for criminality and remain decisive in protecting the kingdom.
Fubara also cautioned against compromising security because of family or personal relationships.
He said the true test of traditional leadership would be reflected in how the monarch managed the responsibilities that came with his position.
Governor Seeks Development in Education, Healthcare
Fubara urged the new monarch and other traditional stakeholders to support initiatives that would improve education, healthcare and small businesses in Opobo.
He said investments in those areas could contribute to addressing youth unemployment and criminality.
The governor also called on members of the Alapu Council and titled citizens of Opobo to move beyond ceremonial activities and initiate tangible development projects.
He challenged them to ensure that visible projects were delivered in the kingdom within the next year.
Fubara assured the monarch of the continued support of the Rivers State Government.
King Jaja VI Pledges Inclusive Leadership
In his acceptance speech, the new Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja, Jeki VI, pledged to build his reign around service, inclusion and vision.
The monarch described the Staff of Office as more than a symbol of authority, saying it represented a responsibility entrusted to him by the government and people of Rivers State.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara, the Opobo Council of Alapu, titled citizens, elders, women and youths for their support.
King Jaja VI said he would seek to uphold justice, peace and dignity while leading the kingdom into what he described as a new chapter.
Opobo Monarch Promises Peace and Development
The new monarch assured the Rivers State Government that Opobo Kingdom would remain a dependable partner in promoting peace, development and unity across the state.
He also paid tribute to the legacy of King Jaja, the founder of Opobo Kingdom, whose historical influence remains central to the identity of the kingdom.
King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja was formally crowned the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom at King Jaja Square in Opobo Town on September 26, 2026, succeeding the late King Dandeson Douglas Jaja. For more updates, follow us on X.
