Opobo, Rivers State — King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja was on Saturday formally crowned the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom in a colourful and historic ceremony held at King Jaja Square in Opobo Town, the headquarters of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The new monarch, who assumes the traditional title of Jeki VI, succeeds the late King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, who passed away in 2025 and was buried on April 11, 2026. He becomes the sixth ruler of the kingdom since its founding by the legendary King Jaja following the historic exodus of 1870.
The coronation, which formed the climax of a ten-day programme of cultural, spiritual and ceremonial activities that began on September 18, attracted a galaxy of dignitaries from across Nigeria. Prominent among them were former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was represented by Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu.
Other traditional rulers present included the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V; the Amanyanabo of Bonny, King Edward Asimini Dappa Pepple; Eze Eberechi Oji (Eze Aro); Eze Iweka III of Obosi; King Buribaye Dakolo of Ekpetiama Kingdom in Bayelsa State; and Eze Eberiuogo of Omuma, among others.
The king was anointed and crowned by the Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja. The ceremony featured traditional rites, a 16-cannon royal salute, the sounding of the historic big bell, cultural displays and the formal administration of the oath of office.
Speaking after his coronation, King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja expressed profound gratitude to the dignitaries, traditional rulers, political leaders and the people of Opobo who travelled to witness the occasion. He pledged to protect the freedom and rights of his people while upholding the dignity and integrity of the throne.
“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,” the new monarch declared.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan congratulated the new king and the people of Opobo on the successful coronation. He recalled the historical significance of King Jaja of Opobo, describing him as a prominent figure whose struggle for freedom remains widely acknowledged, and urged the new monarch to promote peace, development and unity in the kingdom while upholding its rich heritage.
The event underscored the enduring cultural and historical importance of Opobo Kingdom in the Niger Delta. The new Amanyanabo had been elected in December 2025 and had earlier paid courtesy visits to key figures, including former President Jonathan, to formally invite them to the ceremony.
The coronation of King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, marks the opening of a new chapter for the ancient kingdom as it seeks to preserve its traditions while pursuing unity, cultural continuity and socio-economic progress under its sixth monarch.
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