History was made in the ancient Niger Delta kingdom of Opobo on Saturday, September 26, 2026, as prominent political leaders, traditional rulers, and top government officials gathered at the historic King Jaja Square to honor His Majesty, King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, on his official coronation as the 6th Amanyanabo, Treaty King, and Natural Ruler of Opobo Kingdom.
​The grand coronation ceremony, which commenced at 10:00 AM, marked the peak of a 10-day cultural festival spanning September 18 to September 27, 2026.
​The historic event drew a galaxy of Nigerian statesmen, political leaders, and royal fathers across the country. Former President Goodluck Jonathan arrived alongside his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, to show solidarity with the ancient kingdom. The executive governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, was also present, leading state officials to pay homage to the new monarch.
​A formidable assembly of traditional rulers graced the royal dais, including the Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, the Obong of Calabar, King Edward Asimini Dappa Pepple, the Amanyanabo of Bonny, Eze Eberechi Oji, the Eze Aro of Arochukwu, Eze Iweka III, the Eze Obosi, King Buribaye Dakolo, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, Bayelsa State and Eze Eberiuogo, the Paramount Ruler of Omuma Kingdom.
​The coronation proceedings commenced with sacred Christian and traditional rites. The official installation and spiritual blessing were performed by the Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja, who anointed the new King and charged him to lead with equity, godliness, and wisdom.
​In his inaugural royal address delivered at 1:30 PM, His Majesty, King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, expressed deep gratitude to all distinguished guests, royal fathers, and the citizens of Opobo.
​”The chapter six of Opobo history has begun, and as I stand before you today, I am humbled by the weight of the crown placed upon my head,” King Charles MacPepple Jaja stated. “I pledge to uphold the trust bestowed upon me. Our reign will prioritize sustainable growth, youth empowerment, institutional reforms, and the unpolluted preservation of our rich cultural identity and Ibani language for generations to come.”
​Speaking on behalf of the state government, Governor Siminalayi Fubara congratulated the newly crowned Amanyanabo, assuring him of the state’s unalloyed partnership:
​”Opobo Kingdom holds a significant position in the history and economic fabric of Rivers State. We are confident that His Majesty’s reign will usher in unprecedented peace, unity, and developmental strides across the kingdom.”
​Former President Goodluck Jonathan also commended the kingdom for a seamless transition, highlighting the historic ties of unity across the Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large.
​The celebration continued into the late afternoon with traditional cannon shots, boat regattas, and cultural displays by the Owu-Ogbo and Mina-Ogbo societies, celebrating the commencement of a new era under King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI.
