Behold King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI.
The ancient Kingdom of Opobo on Saturday wrote a new chapter in its 156-year royal history as His Majesty King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja, Jeki VI, was crowned Amanyanabo, using his first address as monarch to unveil a development-focused vision anchored on justice, unity, equity and the restoration of the kingdom’s historic prominence.
The colourful coronation, held at the King Jaja Palace in Opobo Town, drew an array of distinguished personalities, including Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, represented by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu; former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan; the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe; the Obong of Calabar; the Amanyanabo of Kalabari, His Royal Highness Asari Dokubo; and other first-class traditional rulers and dignitaries from across Nigeria.
In a coronation address that blended history with a call for renewal, King Jaja VI pledged to uphold the sovereignty and dignity of Opobo while pursuing purposeful development for the riverine kingdom.
King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja (left) with the Amanyanabo of Bonny, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple, shortly before the coronation, last Saturday.
Paying glowing tribute to Opobo’s founding monarch, King Jaja of Opobo, he described him as a courageous strategist and statesman who transformed Opobo into a major commercial power and defended its economic interests against British imperial pressure.
Governor Fubara, in his goodwill message, urged traditional rulers across Rivers State to remain custodians of the people’s heritage while contributing to peace, stability and development.
Represented by Prof. Odu, the governor described traditional institutions as indispensable partners in preserving cultural values, fostering unity and maintaining peace across communities.
He said the coronation was more than the installation of a monarch; it was a celebration of Opobo’s rich history, culture and enduring heritage, which forms an integral part of the identity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
Fubara prayed for wisdom, peace and progress throughout King Jaja VI’s reign, expressing confidence that the monarch would provide purposeful leadership for the kingdom.
Former President Jonathan described the Opobo monarchy as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished traditional institutions, recalling that the name of King Jaja had earned global recognition far beyond the country’s shores.
Congratulating the new monarch, he expressed confidence that King Jaja VI would build on the achievements of his predecessors by promoting peace, unity and sustainable development.
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, reflected on the centuries-old relationship between Onitsha and Opobo, describing it as one forged through trade, mutual respect and the shared legacy of their ancestors.
King Charles, shortly after his coronation by Bishop Emmanuel Okwuchi Oko-Jaja at Opobo, on Saturday.
He recalled attending the installation of the late Amanyanabo in full traditional regalia and said he was delighted to witness another defining moment in Opobo’s royal history.
The climax of the ceremony came with the anointing and coronation of King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja VI by the Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Okwuchi Oko-Jaja, formally enthroning him as the sixth monarch in the royal lineage established by the legendary King Jaja in 1870.
The coronation, marked by pomp, pageantry and deep cultural symbolism, attracted guests from across Nigeria and beyond, reinforcing Opobo’s enduring place as one of the Niger Delta’s most historic and influential kingdoms.