PH Mundial – Port Harcourt Online Newspaper News across the Niger Delta
Related Articles
By: Bethel Toby
In a blaze of royal pageantry, cannon salutes and the resonant toll of the historic big bell, the ancient Opobo on Saturday, September 26, 2026, formally crowned His Majesty, King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja as the sixth Amanyanabo and Treaty King, taking the revered title of JEKI VI.
Our Correspondent report that the coronation at King Jaja Square marked the climax of a carefully orchestrated 10- day programme of traditional rites, masquerade displays, cultural performances and religious ceremonies that began on September 18. It sealed the succession that began with the election of the new monarch in December 2025 following the death of his predecessor, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja(JEKI V), who was buried on April 11, 2026.
The atmosphere was electric. War Canoe House flags fluttered. Owu masquerades danced, and the air filled with the deep boom of ceremonial guns as the new King arrived in full traditional regalia beneath a canopy of royal umbrellas.
Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese(Anglican Communion), His Lordship, Right Reverend Emmanuel Oko- Jaja, anointed and crowned him before a glittering assembly of traditional rulers, political leaders and dignitaries.
Among those present were former President Good luck and Dame Patience Jonathan, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase lll, the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Ugochukwu Alfred Achebe, His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple lll, Perekule Xl, Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom, the Obong of Calabar, Eminence Ededem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, His Royal Highness, Eze(Amb.) Boniface Ejikeme Akawor, Onye-Nwe- Ali XIII of Egberu- Ndoki Kingdom and other first and second class traditional rulers from across South- South and South-East.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara who was ably represented by the Deputy Governor Prof Ngozi Nma Odu was among the high- profile guests expected at the formal presentation of the staff of office.
In a moment of high- political and historical resonance, the newly crowned King addressed the mammoth crowd with words that deliberately marked the Kingdom’s founding struggle to its contemporary aspirations: “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”.
That statement landed with force. Opobo’s identity remains inseparable from the legend of King Jaja- the merchant- prince who led the historic 1870 exodus from Bonny, founded a powerful trading Kingdom, signed treaty with Britain in 1873, and later paid the price of exile for resisting colonial commercial domination.
By invoking that legacy while pivoting firmly toward development and global relevance, JEKI VI signalled a reign that intends to honour the past without being imprisoned it.
Former President Jonathan, who earlier received the then Amanyanabo-elect in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State and publicly accepted the invitation, congratulated the new royal father and the people of Opobo. He described the Kingdom as a historic institution that has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s history, particularly the development of the Niger Delta.
The coronation was more than a colourful traditional spectacle.
It was a carefully managed political and diplomatic moment. In the months leading up to the event, the Opobo Council of Alapu undertook high- level visits to traditional rulers and national figures, including Jonathan and the Obi of Onitsha, reinforcing historic relationships and projecting the Kingdom’s continued relevance in national traditional politics. A court- endorsement settlement earlier in 2026 had cleared lingering succession disputes, upholding the December 2025 election and clarifying future rotational arrangements among the Jaja Group of War Canoe Houses- removing potential legal landmines that could have overshadowed the transition.
For the people of Opobo, the day was pure jubilation.
Indigenes at home and in the diaspora poured into the riverine town.
Cultural performances stretched across the preceding days- from the all- night Mkpa Nwaotam and Uke Nwaotam displays to the Owu masquerades and the symbolic Omu Aru expedition. The formal crowning on Saturday, September 26, 2026, accompanied by a 16- cannon royal salute, closed the chapter of interregnum and what the Council of Alapu has described as”the sixth chapter” in the Kingdom’s history.
King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja now sits on one of the most storied thrones in the Niger Delta- a stool associated with commercial acumen, diplomatic resistance, and institutional continuity. His first public pledge was clear: to protect the freedom and rights of the Opobo people and to uphold the dignity of the throne.
As the celebrations continue into the final day of the programme, the message from Opobo is unambiguous.
The Kingdom that once journeyed for freedom in 1870 has set its face toward development, unity, and a renewed claim on relevance in the Nigeria of 2026.
The drums have spoken. JEKI VI reigns.
