Opobo Kingdom Assures Safety As Jeki VI Coronation Draws Closer

The Opobo Council of Chiefs has assured residents and visitors of adequate security ahead of the coronation of the new Amanyanabo and Treaty King of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI.

The coronation is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Opobo Town, Rivers State, following the death of the former monarch, King Dandison Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, on December 31, 2025, at the age of 83.

The council also invited Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, as well as members of the international community, to join the kingdom in celebrating its cultural heritage and the continuation of one of the Niger Delta’s historic traditional institutions.

Speaking in Port Harcourt, Vice Chairman of Alapu Kubiri, Alabo Princewill N. Wogo Dappa, said the coronation would mark a significant moment in the history of Opobo Kingdom and provide an opportunity to strengthen relationships between the kingdom and the wider community.

Dappa said the council had embarked on diplomatic and traditional visits to prominent traditional and national leaders as part of preparations for the ceremony and to formally invite them to the event.

He listed former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and other traditional rulers among those visited by the council.

According to him, the coronation would showcase the heritage, traditional institutions, culture and history of Opobo while bringing together indigenes, friends and supporters of the kingdom from Nigeria and abroad.

He said security arrangements had been put in place before, during and after the ceremony, urging residents and visitors to cooperate with measures covering security, traffic management, protocol and general coordination.

“The coronation activities will culminate in the grand coronation on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Opobo Town. This is a significant moment in the history of Opobo Kingdom,” Dappa said.

He also appealed to members of the media to attend and document the event, saying their coverage would help tell the wider story of Opobo’s heritage, resilience, leadership, enterprise and continuity.

The council described the coronation of Jeki VI as the beginning of a new chapter for the kingdom and a continuation of the traditional institution associated with the legacy of King Jaja of Opobo.