Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja crowned sixth Opobo monarch

King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja has been crowned the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom in Rivers State at a ceremony attended by prominent Nigerians, government representatives and traditional rulers. The coronation took place on Saturday at King Jaja Square in Opobo Town, the headquarters of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area. Bishop Emmanuel Oko-Jaja of the Niger Delta Diocese anointed and crowned the new monarch.

Charles was elected in December 2025 after the death of the previous occupant of the throne. He takes the title Jeki VI and becomes the sixth monarch since the legendary King Jaja founded the Opobo Kingdom in 1870. The former monarch, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, who also chaired the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, died in 2025 and was buried on April 11, 2026.

After his coronation, King Charles thanked guests and the people of Opobo for their support. He pledged to protect the freedom and rights of the kingdom’s people and uphold the dignity of the traditional institution. Former President Goodluck Jonathan congratulated the monarch and the Opobo people.

He recalled the historical importance of King Jaja of Opobo and urged the new king to promote peace, development and unity during his reign. The Rivers State Government was represented by Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, who described the event as a celebration of the state’s identity and culture. She said traditional rulers had an important role in preserving the heritage of their communities and wished the monarch wisdom, peace and progress.

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, referred to the historic relationship between Onitsha and Opobo. Other traditional rulers at the ceremony included the Obong of Calabar, the Amanyanabo of Bonny, the Olu of Warri and monarchs from communities in Rivers, Bayelsa and neighbouring states. The event formally installed Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja as Opobo’s sixth Amanyanabo.