The Irimagha Family of Fubara Manilla Pepple Chieftaincy House of Bonny Kingdom in Rivers State, Nigeria, says its 270 years of existence have been defined by its noble and cherished values that places high premium on shared humanity, mutual respect and social cohesion.
Chairman of the family, Wariopusenibo Victor Irimagha, KSC, said this on Sunday, February 8, 2026 during the celebration of the 270 years anniversary of the founding of the family at the Irimagha Opubie (family house) in Bonny, Rivers State.
The celebration was marked with two epochal events; a Thanksgiving Service at St Stephen’s Cathedral, and Reception at Irimagha Opubie, same day and both events in Bonny.
Wariopusenibo Irimagha stated that the futuristic disposition of the family and the vision to sustain the upward trajectory of the family’s fortune remains the cornerstone of its 270 years existence, attributing the growth and development of the family to the discretion and discernment of its forebears.
“Let us take a moment to honour our forebears whose wisdom and love have paved the way for us all. Our stories are the thread that connects us to 1755.”
“…and while we celebrate, we also remember those who are no longer with us but whose spirits reside in our blood and in our memories.”
“But a family does not survive for 270 years just by looking backward. It survives by looking forward. To the children and young adults here, we are the new branches to take this family to unimaginable heights.”
In his remarks, Chairman of the Anniversary Celebration, Se-Alabo Sotonye Banigo, KSC, praised the Irimagha family for holding together and moving forward together, noting that despite the various vicissitudes that have confronted it, its bond of unity, resilient cohesion and affectionate bonding has ensured it always triumphed.
Se-Alabo Banigo, who is the Chief and Head of the Banigo (Iringeresibo) Chieftaincy House of Bonny Kingdom, urged members of the family to continue to uphold the values by which the family has thrived, enjoining them to positively envision the progress o the family, as well as intentional emplace the pillars upon its future can sustainably succeed.
In his goodwill message, Chief and Head of Dan-Jumbo Chieftaincy House, Se-Alabo Clinton Dan-Jumbo, who was represented by Warisenibo Kenneth Dan-Jumbo, congratulated the Irimagha Family for their cohesion, progressive spirit and family values in its 270 years epochal history.
The Mother of the Day, Alabota Carol Ada-Allison, KSC, who is also the President of Alapu-Ta of Bonny Kingdom, expressed her delight over the 270 years anniversary of the family, noting the unique contributions the family has made to the progress and development of Bonny Kingdom.
Highlight of the event included the unveiling of the Burusu Inscription on the family house and cutting of the 270 Anniversary Cake, performance by Bonny Kingdom Chorale, presentation of Gratitude Awards and Cultural Performance by You Work You Chop Dance Troupe.
The awardees include Dame Edith Hart, KSC, Dr. Boma Irimagha, A. Johnson, Dr. Klari Briggs, Warisenibo Darlington Banigo, Mr. and Mrs. Loveday Benstowe, Hon. Mie-Iyeoju Jumbo, and Taribo Irimagha.
In attendance were the member representing Bonny State Constituency; Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area; Amasenibo Abinye Pepple, who represented by the Leader of the Bonny Legislative Assembly; Rt. Hon. Kingsley Jumbo, and Chiefs and Heads of Hart House, Christy-Wilcox House and Jim-Halliday House, Se-Alabo Reginald Hart, MON, Se-Alabo Golden Christy-Wilcox and Se-Alabo Elliot Jim-Halliday, respectively.
Others were the Chairman of Fubara Manilla Pepple Chieftaincy House; Wariopusenibo Sunju Bluejack, President and Vice President of Bonny Kingdom Titled Citizens Assembly; Amaopusenibo Furosia Wilcox and Amaopusenibo Fred Pepple, Vice Captain of Tobin House Owu-Ogbo; Idamina Tobin, elders and titled citizens of various chieftaincy houses who came in solidarity of the family.