King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja was formally anointed as the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom during a ceremony held on Saturday at King Jaja Square in Opobo Town, Rivers State. The event, attended by national figures, traditional rulers, and government officials, followed his election in December 2025 after the death of his predecessor, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, who passed away in 2025 and was buried on April 11, 2026. The coronation was conducted by Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja, Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese, who bestowed the title of Jeki VI upon the new monarch, who now leads the kingdom established by the legendary King Jaja in 1870.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan praised the coronation, highlighting the historical legacy of King Jaja of Opobo as a symbol of freedom and resilience. Jonathan urged the new Amanyanabo to prioritize peace, development, and unity, emphasizing the importance of preserving the kingdom’s heritage. Rivers State Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, representing the state government, described the ceremony as a celebration of cultural identity, underscoring the role of traditional rulers in safeguarding heritage. She extended wishes for a reign of wisdom and progress, aligning with the broader goals of national cohesion.
The event drew a constellation of traditional leaders, including the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, who acknowledged King Jaja’s legacy of integrity and service. The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and other regional monarchs such as the Obong of Calabar, Amanyanabo of Bonny, and Eze Iweka III of Obosi, underscored the interconnectedness of Igbo and Delta communities through shared historical narratives. King Charles expressed gratitude to attendees and pledged to uphold the dignity of the throne and protect the rights of Opobo’s people, reinforcing the ceremonial and symbolic weight of the occasion.
The coronation of King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja reaffirmed the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. As the sixth Amanyanabo, he inherits a legacy of leadership tied to the kingdom’s founding in 1870, while navigating contemporary challenges of cultural preservation and regional development. The event highlighted the continued influence of traditional rulers in fostering unity and celebrating heritage, even as modern governance structures evolve.