The ancestral headquarters of the Kalabari people, Buguma, was transformed into a vibrant theatre of tradition and heritage as a weeks-long series of cultural rites culminated on Saturday, 28th February 2026. The ceremonies, marked by the formal presentation of chiefs to the Kalabari-Se (Se-Diye), signaled a significant epoch in the annals of the kingdom’s history.
A press statement signed by Alabo Daerefa-a Christopher Braide, Palace Spokesman and Chief Press Secretary to the Amanyanabo of the Source, disclosed that at the heart of the proceedings was a momentous transition of authority. The Amanyanabo of the Source (Elem Kalabari, Torusaramapiri), Da Amakiri Tubo, distinguished as Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari, Dabaye Amakiri I, formally relinquished his personal chieftaincy stool. The stool, Dokubo-Asari I, which he established in 2004, was transferred to his son, Alabo Bereibibo Deinyefa Abdulkarim Dokubo-Asari, who was subsequently installed as Dokubo-Asari II.
This transfer of a personal chieftaincy stool, whether at the point of creation or through later succession, is a practice deeply rooted in the venerable traditions of the Kalabari people. The transition became a formal necessity following the elevation of Da Amakiri Tubo, first to the position of Paramount Head of the Edi-Abali House, and ultimately to his current station as the Amanyanabo of the Source, where he now occupies the ancient Da Amakiri stool at Elem Kalabari.
Whilst continuing to oversee the Da Edi-Abali group of houses pending the appointment of a new head, the Amanyanabo of the Source presented a distinguished cohort of chiefs from the Edi-Abali House and its affiliates in Buguma, Abalama, and Sama. These leaders were presented to the Kalabari-Se for formal installation by the Regent of Kalabari, Chief Dr Charles Numbere.
The newly presented chiefs included:
- Alabo Dr Ebbi Robinson Pankin Braide
- Alabo Obiobra-a Pankin Braide
- Alabo Welsh Seleipri Ogburulele
- Alabo Tamunobabofiya Ibifaa Sokari
- Alabo S. Gabriel Alame
The installation followed a meticulous process that commenced in January 2026 at the Edi Memorial Hall. The journey progressed through the Ombo/Birinaomoni, Kariboye-Abbi, and Buguma stages before the final, prestigious presentation at the Kalabari-Se.
The festivities drew an illustrious gathering of traditional rulers, elders, and dignitaries from across the region. The cultural display was headlined by a magnificent boat regatta, known locally as Omu-aru and Alali-aru doku, at the Owusara (Buguma Jetty).
Later, at a reception held in Edi Polo, the Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari Centre for Kalabari Culture Preservation joined various cultural troupes in performing traditional dances that resonated with the pride of the Kalabari nation.
In an address to the gathered subjects and visitors, the Amanyanabo of the Source expressed his profound gratitude for the enduring support of the people. He voiced his absolute confidence in Alabo Bereibibo Deinyefa Dokubo-Asari II, stating his belief that the new chief would uphold the sacred responsibility of fostering unity and stability within the family, the community, and the wider Kalabari-Se.
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