Subscribe: Gist E-Paper
The ancient Opobo Kingdom in Rivers State is set to witness a major traditional and cultural event on Saturday, September 26, 2026, when His Majesty, King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, Amanyanabo and Treaty King of Opobo Kingdom, will be formally crowned.
The Opobo Council of Chiefs, which announced the forthcoming coronation on Monday, said the ceremony would mark a significant moment in the history of the kingdom and the continuation of one of the Niger Delta’s most historic traditional institutions.
Speaking during a press briefing, the Vice Chairman, Alapu Kubiri, Alabo Princewill N. Wogo Dappa, said preparations were already in progress for the grand ceremony expected to attract traditional rulers, political leaders, dignitaries, sons and daughters of Opobo and guests from within and outside Nigeria.
According to him, the coronation would not only formally affirm the reign of Jeki VI but also provide an opportunity for the people of Opobo to celebrate their heritage, culture, history and enduring traditional institutions.
He described the throne of King Jaja of Opobo as one of the most historic institutions in the Niger Delta, with a legacy closely associated with the courage, enterprise, diplomacy and leadership of King Jaja of Opobo.
The Council said the emergence and coronation of Jeki VI represented the continuation of that historical institution and the opening of a new chapter in the life of the kingdom.
“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,” the Council stated.
The coronation programme, according to the Council, has been preceded by a series of diplomatic and traditional engagements designed to strengthen historic relationships and formally invite prominent traditional and national leaders to the event.
Among the personalities visited by the Opobo Council of Chiefs during the preparations was former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
The Council also disclosed that it had undertaken visits to respected kings and traditional rulers as part of efforts to mobilise support and participation for the historic occasion.
The engagements, it said, had provided an avenue to renew traditional relationships and formally communicate the significance of the coronation to leaders and institutions across the country.
The Council said the September 26 ceremony would showcase the rich heritage, traditional institutions, culture and history of Opobo Kingdom, while also bringing together Opobo people at home and in the diaspora.
It described the event as an opportunity for the people to unite around the throne and collectively look towards the future of the kingdom.
The Council called on the people of Rivers State, Nigerians, friends of Opobo and members of the international community to join the kingdom in celebrating what it described as a historic occasion.
It also appealed to the media to go beyond simply reporting the coronation and help tell the broader story of Opobo, particularly its history of heritage, resilience, leadership, enterprise and continuity.
The Council said the history of Opobo remained inseparable from the remarkable legacy of King Jaja of Opobo, whose name has remained prominent in the political, commercial and traditional history of the Niger Delta.
The coronation of Jeki VI, it added, would therefore serve as a bridge between that historical legacy and the future aspirations of the kingdom.
With guests expected from different parts of Nigeria and beyond, the Council urged residents, visitors and all stakeholders to cooperate with arrangements being put in place for security, traffic management, protocol and general coordination.
It stressed that the success of the coronation would depend not only on the traditional authorities and organisers but also on the cooperation of residents and visitors attending the event.
The Council further invited members of the press to attend the coronation in Opobo Town, report the proceedings and document what it described as another defining moment in the history of the kingdom.
“On Saturday, September 26, 2026, Opobo will witness another defining moment in its history as His Majesty, King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, is formally crowned,” the Council said.
The coronation is expected to place Opobo’s distinctive traditional heritage in the national spotlight, particularly at a time when traditional institutions continue to play important roles in preserving cultural identity, community cohesion and historical memory.
For the people of Opobo, the ceremony is also expected to be more than a formal traditional rite. It is projected as a celebration of identity, continuity and the enduring legacy of a kingdom whose history has remained deeply connected to the development of commerce, diplomacy and traditional leadership in the Niger Delta.
The Opobo Council of Chiefs concluded its briefing with goodwill messages for the incoming reign, wishing His Majesty, King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, a successful tenure and praying for the continued peace and prosperity of Opobo Kingdom, Rivers State and Nigeria.
