Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara have called on traditional rulers in the state to provide purposeful and selfless leadership while preserving the cultural heritage of their communities.
The two leaders made the call on Saturday during the coronation of King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, as the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom in Rivers State.
Jonathan, who delivered a goodwill message at the ceremony, congratulated the new monarch and expressed confidence that his reign would contribute to peace, unity and development in Opobo Kingdom.
The former President also recalled the historical significance of the Opobo throne and the contributions of its first occupant, the renowned King Jaja, to the history of the Niger Delta.
Jonathan urged the new monarch to build on that legacy by promoting the interests of his people and working with government institutions to advance development in the kingdom.
He said he expected the new reign to bring greater peace, development and unity to Opobo, while assuring the monarch of his support and guidance.
Jonathan also pledged that government institutions would cooperate with the traditional institution to support development initiatives benefiting the people of the kingdom.
Representing Governor Fubara at the ceremony, the Deputy Governor, Prof Ngozi Odu, said traditional institutions remained important in preserving the cultural identity and values of Rivers State.
According to the governor, the coronation was not merely a ceremonial event but also an opportunity to celebrate the history and traditions of the Opobo people.
Fubara said traditional rulers had an important role to play in preserving cultural values, promoting unity and maintaining peace within their communities. He urged them to work with government as partners in the development of the state.
He further stressed the importance of ensuring that customs and traditions were preserved and transmitted to younger generations.
The governor specifically charged the newly crowned monarch to provide purposeful leadership for the people of Opobo Kingdom and contribute to the stability and development of Rivers State.
Fubara prayed that King Jaja would be granted wisdom and knowledge to lead his people, drawing a comparison with the biblical King Solomon.
The new monarch, in his address, pledged to uphold the sovereignty and dignity of Opobo Kingdom.
King Jaja promised to serve with truth, justice and unity, while vowing not to bring dishonour to the throne established by the founders of Opobo.
He described the historic migration that led to the establishment of Opobo in 1870 as a journey to freedom and said the kingdom’s present challenge was to pursue development, unity and global relevance.
The monarch also acknowledged the support of the Rivers State Government, traditional rulers, dignitaries and organisations that contributed to the success of his coronation.
The event brought together prominent traditional and political figures from across the Niger Delta and other parts of Nigeria.
Among those present were Jonathan’s wife, Dame Patience Jonathan; the Olu of Warri; the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; the King of Bonny Kingdom, King Edward Asimini Dappa-Pepple; and the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V.
Also in attendance were the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo; the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku; King Mujaheed Dokubo-Asari; and President of the Ijaw National Congress, High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Obi of Onitsha also highlighted the historic relationship between Onitsha and Opobo, particularly their links through trade and mutual relations.
Achebe recalled the experiences of King Jaja under British colonial rule and said the history remained an important source of identity for the people of Opobo.
The gathering therefore combined a royal coronation with broader appeals for cultural preservation, responsible traditional leadership and cooperation between traditional institutions and government.
The messages from Jonathan and Fubara underscored the expectation that traditional rulers should remain connected to the welfare of their people while helping to preserve the history, customs and values of their respective communities.
For Opobo Kingdom, the coronation of King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja marks the beginning of a new reign, with the monarch pledging to build on the legacy of the throne while pursuing unity, development and greater relevance for the kingdom.
