History was made on Saturday as Opobo Kingdom marked a pivotal moment with the formal presentation of Alabo Prince Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja as the Amanyanabo-Elect of the ancient city.
The ceremony took place within the sacred precincts of Opuwariku, King Jaja Palace Complex, under the watchful eyes of the King Jaja Group of Houses and the Opobo Kingdom Council of Alapu.
Addressing the Vice Chairman and members of the council, Prince Charles Jaja spoke with humility and resolve, acknowledging the weight of the crown yet to be placed upon him. He pledged to uphold the sacred trust of tradition, ancestry, and the collective will of the people.
The Atlantic Bell reports that the Amanyanabo-Elect outlined a vision that balances development with cultural preservation. He emphasised that growth must not come at the expense of Opobo’s identity. “Our heritage is our strength,” he said, reiterating his commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection, and the safeguarding of traditions for future generations.
Education, youth empowerment, and skills acquisition form the cornerstone of his developmental agenda. Prince Charles Jaja stressed the need to prepare young Opobo sons and daughters for success in an evolving world, while also promoting cultural continuity through documentation of traditions, establishment of cultural centres, and the active use of the Ibani language.
He further pledged institutional reforms within the Council of Alapu to enhance transparency, accountability, and collective governance, ensuring shared responsibility in leadership.
Drawing inspiration from King Jaja, the legendary founder who resisted colonial domination to defend the kingdom’s autonomy, the Amanyanabo-Elect promised that Opobo would remain proud, independent, and resilient.
In his address, he also expressed his commitment to collaborative engagement with the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government, Rivers State Government under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Federal Government, and multinational stakeholders.
Speaking on the traditional selection process, Senibo Enyinna Idawari Seigha Jaja, Immediate Past Chairman of the King Jaja Royal War Canoe House, affirmed that the process was conducted peacefully and in strict accordance with custom.
“There was no rancour. The process was seamless, and the kingdom is happy,” he said.
Vice Chairman of the Opobo Kingdom Council of Chiefs, Alabo Princewill Dappa, described the occasion as historic.
“This is something you may witness only once in a lifetime.
“The kingdom is united, the process peaceful, and the joy genuine. After coronation, he will be known as His Royal Majesty, King Prince Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, but today, we proudly receive him as our Amanyanabo-Elect,” he said.
