Opobo Kingdom in Rivers State has formally installed King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, as its sixth Amanyanabo, with former President Goodluck Jonathan and prominent traditional rulers among dignitaries at the coronation.

The monarch was crowned at King Jaja Square in Opobo Town on Saturday, September 26, marking the culmination of activities organised to celebrate his emergence and the cultural heritage of the historic kingdom.

King Charles, who was elected monarch in December 2025 following the death of his predecessor, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, was formally crowned by the Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja. He succeeds Dandeson Jaja and takes the title Jeki VI, becoming the sixth Amanyanabo since the founding of Opobo Kingdom.

The coronation attracted former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience Jonathan, alongside the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, who represented Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Also present were the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Obong of Calabar; the Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom, King Edward Asimini Dappa Pepple; representatives of the Bayelsa State Government and the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, as well as members of the Ijaw National Congress and other dignitaries.

In his coronation address, King Charles pledged to uphold the sovereignty and dignity of Opobo Kingdom and to serve with truth, justice and unity.

He outlined cultural preservation, development-focused traditional leadership and constructive engagement with government as key areas of his reign. He also pledged to protect the Ibani language and cultural traditions while supporting initiatives in education, healthcare, youth empowerment and the marine economy.

The new monarch also identified infrastructure and human development needs across the kingdom, including roads and jetties, shoreline protection, healthcare facilities, higher educational institutions and skills acquisition centres for young people.

King Charles further called for closer collaboration between traditional institutions, government and development agencies, stressing that traditional rulers should work as partners in promoting peace, security and development.

Congratulating the monarch, former President Jonathan highlighted the historical significance of the Opobo throne and the legacy of its founder, King Jaja of Opobo. He expressed hope that the new reign would bring peace, unity and development to the kingdom.

The Rivers State Government, through Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, described the coronation as a celebration of the history, identity, culture and heritage of Opobo Kingdom.

The Obi of Onitsha, meanwhile, recalled the longstanding relationship between Onitsha and Opobo, particularly their historical links through trade and mutual relations.

The Opobo Kingdom traces its modern establishment to 1870, when King Jaja and members of the Opubo Annie Pepple group left Bonny following a political conflict and established a new settlement near the Imo River estuary. Under King Jaja, Opobo became an important political and commercial centre in the Oil Rivers region, particularly through the palm produce trade.