Stakeholding, Inclusivity, Heritage, Key Pillars of My Development Agenda – Opobo Kingdom Amanyanabo-Elect Says

The Amanyanabo-Elect and incoming Treaty King of Opobo Kingdom, Alabo Prince Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja has outlined the trajectory of his reign following his imminent coronation.

The Amanyanabo-Elect spoke on Saturday, January 3, 2026 shortly after his formal presentation at the Opuwariku (King Jaja Palace Complex) in Opobo, Rivers State.

Addressing the Opobo Kingdom Council of Alapu (Chiefs), King Jaja Group of Houses, and the people of Opobo Kingdom in general, the Amanyanabo-Elect pledged to uphold the sacred trust of tradition, ancestry, and the collective will of the people.

He outlined the overarching vision of his reign as one that balances development with cultural preservation, announcing a track back to Opobo’s ancient foundation, Bonny Kingdom, in achieving cultural renaissance, stressing the need for transgenerational transmission of Ibani ethos. 

“To preserve our cultural heritage, we will continue to document and promote our tradition, establish cultural centers and vigorously incorporate Ibani language into our domestic usage and local systems and facilitate cultural exchange programs with our ancient Kingdom Bonny to promote cross-cultural understanding.”  

He, however, emphasised that socio-economic growth must not come at the expense of Opobo’s identity, reiterating his commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection, and the safeguarding of traditions for future generations.

He asserted that Education, youth empowerment, and skills acquisition would form the cornerstone of his developmental agenda, stressing the need to prepare young Opobo sons and daughters for success in an ever evolving world.

He averred that this would be juxtaposed with promotion of cultural continuity through documentation of traditions, establishment of cultural centres, and the active use of the Ibani language.

“Our heritage is our strength. For future generations, we will celebrate our cultural heritage, preserve our tradition, and pass them on politically to our children and grandchildren.”

“A key pillar of our development will be investing in potential of our people, particularly our youths. We will prioritize education, skills development and empowerment programs that equip our young people with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.” 

To enhance transparency, accountability, and collective governance, ensuring shared responsibility in leadership, the ingressing Treaty King pledged institutional reforms within the Council of Alapu. 

Drawing inspiration from King Jaja, the legendary founder of Opobo Kingdom, who resisted colonial domination to defend the kingdom’s autonomy, the Amanyanabo-Elect promised that Opobo would remain proud, independent, and resilient.

Highlighting the need for stakeholding, Alabo Macpepple Jaja expressed his commitment to collaborative engagement with the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government, Rivers State Government under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Federal Government, and multinational stakeholders.

Speaking on the traditional selection process, the immediate past Chairman of the King Jaja Royal War Canoe House, Senibo Enyinna Idawari Seigha Jaja affirmed that the process was conducted peacefully and in strict accordance with custom.

“There was no rancour. The process was seamless, and the kingdom is happy,” he said.

Vice Chairman of the Opobo Kingdom Council of Chiefs, Alabo Princewill Dappa, described the occasion as historic, noting that “this is something you may witness only once in a lifetime”.

“The kingdom is united, the process peaceful, and the joy genuine. After coronation, he will be known as His Royal Majesty, King Prince Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, but today, we proudly receive him as our Amanyanabo-Elect,” he said.

Kristina Reports will continue to provide ongoing updates on the coronation activities for the ingressing Monarch, as well as the rites of passage in honour of his predecessor and transmigrated Amanyanabo and Treaty King of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty, late King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V.