Monarch Admits Opuada Willie-Pepple into Chiefs Council; Joins LG Chairman, Others In Extolling Legal Luminary as Asset to Bonny Kingdom

The Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty, King Edward William Dappa Pepple III, CON, JP, DSSRS, Perekule XI has inducted revered legal luminary, Opuada Alaigoni Willie-Pepple in the Bonny Chiefs Council thus making him a Se-Alabo (Ibani country chief).

King Pepple performed the induction ceremony on Saturday, November 30, 2025 at the King Perekule Palace, Bonny, Rivers State, after the Elders of Willie-Pepple Chieftaincy House led by Wariopusenibo Barclay Willie-Pepple presented him as Chief and Head of the House.

THE ROYAL INDUCTION

This presentation completes the chief making process, which begins from the selection of the chief by the statutory heads of the (Burusu) families comprising the House to the installation, capping and ultimate presentation to the Amanyanabo.   

The Monarch corroborated the expression of confidence in the new Chief and Head of the House, Se-Alabo Opuada Alaigoni Willie-Pepple by the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Amasenibo Abinye Pepple, and others.

The King asserted that he could vouch for his character and performance, stating that “I know him personally, I can vouch for him. He remains not just a Chief but a brother”.

He charged him to sustain the cherished traditions and custom of the Ibani (Bonny/Opobo) ethnic nationality, stressing the need to appreciate his new role as critical to the growth and development of Bonny Kingdom.

The Amanyanabo did not fail to add words of commendation for the elders and members of the Willie-Pepple Chieftaincy House for ensuring a seamless transition in its leadership, maintain unity in the House and standing in solidarity with their Chief.  

“To be honest with you, I feel very happy that I was able to create accommodation for this event despite my tight schedule. I am particularly happy that everything leading to this moment has been seamless. I wish other Houses could learn from Chief Willie-Pepple House.

“Chief Willie-Pepple House is not a small House. I agree, it is a Kalawari, but it is a House of great significance. The House is related to me by blood, so I know everything that is going on there.”

“That is why I continue to commend the elders and members of the House for making today not just realistic, but seamless.”

Earlier, the Chairman of Bonny LGA, Amasenibo Abinye Pepple had lauded the Amanyanabo for the gracious leadership he has continued to exude over Bonny Kingdom, expressing his confidence in the new country Chief of Bonny Kingdom to bring his wealth of knowledge to bear in the administration of the Kingdom.

GOVERNMENTAL ENDORSEMENT

In its goodwill message, the Bonny Chiefs Council (BCC) through the Chief and Head of Attoni Chieftaincy House, Se-Alabo Abe Attoni, described the day as “a great day”, expressing the hope that the ingressing Chief will bring value to the Council.

The BCC referred to his studied background, exposure in public service and demonstrated intellectual capacity as qualities that it expects would represent value addition, expressing optimism that Bonny Kingdom will continue on the trajectory of greatness.

In his goodwill message, a former Commissioner for Finance in Rivers State, Israel Williams congratulated the new Chief as he ascends the throne of his fathers, asserting that Ï believe you’re the right man for the job”, advising him to sustain the unity of the House and provide it a sense of direction.

Responding, the Chief and Head of Willie-Pepple House, Se-Alabo Opuada Alaigoni Willie-Pepple, Inyeoku IX thanked the Amanyanabo for his support, as well as appreciated the support of his wife, and sacrifices of his children in the journey to chieftaincy.

He equally appreciated the unity of purpose amongst the elders and members of the House, which according to him has made the chief making process successful, just as he commended the sense of solidarity among the Igweyi Group of Houses comprising Jackmay and Ibiama Finecountry.

He pledged to be just and fair and remain focused on how to improve on the legacies of the forebears of the Willie-Pepple House, assuring the Monarch of his loyalty, as well as thanking the guests for sparing the time to attend the epochal event.  

Earlier in the day, Se-Alabo Willie-Pepple was conveyed to Bonny in his ala-aru (gigi) and escorted by mammoth crowd comprising the Otobo masquerade, elders, members and well-wishers of the House from the Coal Beach to the King Perekule Palace where the ceremony took place.

Dignitaries in attendance at the event include a former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly; Aasenibo, Aye Pepple, Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government; His Royal Highness, Chief David Serena Dokubo Spiff, Chairman, Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC); Justice Adolphus Enebeli, traditional rulers, eminent jurists, former Chairmen of Bonny LGA; Alabota Anengi Claude-Wilcox and Amasenibo Omuso Abbey, retired senior military officers, captains of industry, and community leaders, amongst others.