RismadarVoice Reporters
October 2, 2026
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has presented the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the newly installed Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja, Jeki VI.
The presentation took place at the Government House in Port Harcourt in the presence of Alapu and chiefs of Opobo Kingdom.
Speaking during the ceremony, Fubara congratulated the monarch on his formal recognition and urged him to use his reign to promote peace, unity and development across Opobo Kingdom.
The governor said history would remember the role his administration played in ensuring the successful burial of the late monarch and facilitating the process that produced his successor without prolonged legal disputes.
Fubara also addressed criticism surrounding his absence from the coronation of the new monarch, explaining that he was outside the country on what he described as a national assignment at the time.
He accused some political actors of attempting to politicise his absence from the ceremony despite, according to him, his administration’s contributions towards ensuring a successful transition in the traditional institution.
The governor urged political actors to avoid what he described as the tendency of “playing politics with everything,” saying issues concerning traditional institutions should not become a source of unnecessary political controversy.
He maintained that the peaceful conclusion of the succession process was more important than political disagreements surrounding individual events.
Fubara subsequently presented the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to King Jaja, formally recognising him as the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom.
Responding, King Jaja thanked the governor for his role in the process leading to his coronation and formal recognition.
The monarch pledged to serve the people of Opobo Kingdom with justice, peace and dignity while working with stakeholders to advance the development and interests of the kingdom.
He also expressed commitment to preserving the unity and traditional heritage of Opobo Kingdom throughout his reign.
