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The Opobo Council of Alapu has announced that the coronation of His Majesty, King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, as the Amanyanabo and Treaty King of Opobo Kingdom, will hold from September 18 to 27, 2026, with a 10-day line-up of cultural, traditional, religious and ceremonial activities marking the historic event.
In a statement issued on July 21, 2026, from King Jaja's Palace, the Council described the coronation as the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the ancient kingdom, expected to attract traditional rulers, captains of industry, distinguished sons and daughters of Opobo, and guests from across Nigeria and the international community.
The Council noted that Opobo Kingdom, founded in 1870 by the legendary merchant prince, King Jaja of Opobo, has remained a symbol of resilience, strategic diplomacy and the rich cultural heritage of the Ijaw people, with a proud trading history rooted in the coastal communities of the Niger Delta.
It stated that the ascension of King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, marks the commencement of the sixth chapter in the kingdom's history, with the new monarch expected to preserve Opobo's cultural heritage while providing visionary leadership that promotes unity, peace and economic development.
Describing the event as more than the installation of a monarch, the Council said the coronation would celebrate the resilience, ancestry and enduring identity of the Opobo people, while showcasing the kingdom's customs, traditions and historical legacy to the world.
According to the official programme, activities will begin on Friday, September 18, with traditional rites, including the Asimini announcement, seven ceremonial cannon shots and the sounding of the historic big bell.
The celebrations will officially commence on Saturday, September 19, with the hosting of war canoe houses' flags, colourful masquerade displays, cultural performances and the all-night Mkpka Nwaotam and Uke Nwaotam performances involving the various war canoe houses.
A special church service will be held on Sunday, September 20, followed by a dinner in honour of the Alapu at St. Paul's Church.
From September 21 to 26, the kingdom will witness a series of traditional displays featuring the Owu Mbilla, Owu Odobo, Owu Ijuruma, Owu Ngi, Owu Aru and Owu Egebelegbe masquerades, alongside the popular Ngunume and Ekpete cultural dances.
Other highlights include the Omu Aru expedition from Minimafe to Kalabari and back to Opobo, title holders' dinners, night vigils and cultural ceremonies involving registered societies and social clubs.
The coronation proper is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, when the Amanyanabo will enter the coronation arena at 11 a.m. for the administration of the oath of office, the crowning ceremony and the presentation of the staff of office by the Governor of Rivers State. The day's events will also feature a grand coronation banquet and public entertainment.
The week-long celebrations will end on Sunday, September 27, with a thanksgiving service, thanksgiving banquet and choral performances, bringing the historic coronation festivities to a close.
The statement announcing the programme was signed by Alabo Godwin Omoni Nengia Bupo, Abayebupo Duke Norfolk III, Chief of Protocol and Public Relations of the Opobo Council of Alapu, who invited Nigerians and members of the international community to witness what he described as a landmark event in the history of Opobo Kingdom.
