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It was pomp and pageantry at the ancient town of Koniju in Okrika Local Goernment Area of Rivers State on Saturday, October 27 as the kings, chiefs, elite and people of Wakirike gathered to witness the coronation of HRM Nelson Atubo Oputibeya XI as Amanyanabo of Koniju town.
Among dignitaries present at the coronation were the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, HRM King Michael Ateke Tom, former minister of transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, Amayanabo of Abuloma, HRM (Brig Gen) Bright Ateke Fiboinumama (Rtd), Amayanabos of Kala Ogoloma, Bolo, and Port Harcourt.
Chairman of Koniju Town Council of Chiefs, Chief Dr. Chris Biriowu Opuayaraya, said the coronation “is most significant because the incumbent whose stool has already been giving government recognition and classified as second class thus making him a proud member of the rivers state council of traditional rulers.”
He said that the people of Koniju Kingdom are grateful to the governor Of Rivers State, Chief Bar. Nyesom Wike, who came up with a lasting solution to promote peace and progress in Wakirike Ethnic Nationality, adding that the ascension of the new Amanyanabo will herald peace, development and harmony to Wakirike nation.
“Before now, Okrika seemed to be in turmoil. But with the decision of the governor of Rivers State separating two kingdoms, especially recognizing the Koniju kingdom as a 2nd class stool, this is the beginning of peace in Okrika.
“This is the beginning of a new dawn. This will also go to tell the Ijaw people that they have self-actualization, self-esteem. Because things have been put in their proper place and everybody will be joyful and support the traditional institution,” Chief Opuayaraya said.
Also, chairman, Okrika Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief S.K.A.T. Kalaowolo, said the event “is like a carnival to the people of Koniju town. We have been longing to see this day. So many people have come and gone. For us, we are present, testifying to this coronation. We are very grateful.
“Fortunately, the man who has been chosen by the past leaders, especially King Gabriel Oputibeya, whose monument is here, hand-picked him to succeed him when he leaves the stool, is the man we have crowned today, that is HRM Nelson Atubo Oputibeya XI,” Chief Kalaowolo said.
He said Okrika is today a confederation, adding that Okrika “in the real sense of it started from here where we are standing. It is the seat of the Oputibeya, the founder of Okrika.
“When his brother came and both of them met at this place, they saw that they are relations, speak the same language, have the same culture and they see themselves as one. So, they called this place, Wakirike, which is the same as Kirike that is Anglicized to Okrika.
“King Oputibeya is the founder, and we are marking the coronation of the Oputibeya stool. I can say that from Okochiri to here, the island of Okrika, that is the cradle of civilization of Wakirike people, it (the coronation) is very symbolic,” Chief Kalaowolo said.
