King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja has been crowned the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom in Rivers State.
The coronation ceremony, held on Saturday at King Jaja Square in Opobo Town, headquarters of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, attracted prominent Nigerians, traditional rulers and government officials from across the country.
King Charles, who was elected monarch in December 2025 following the death of the previous occupant of the throne, was anointed and crowned by the Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja.
He assumes the traditional title Jeki VI, becoming the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo since the kingdom was founded by the legendary King Jaja in 1870.
The previous monarch, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, who also served as Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, died in 2025 and was buried on April 11, 2026.
Speaking after his coronation, King Charles thanked the people of Opobo and guests for their support, pledging to protect the rights and freedoms of his subjects and uphold the dignity of the throne.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan congratulated the new monarch and the people of Opobo, recalling the historical significance of King Jaja of Opobo and his struggle for the freedom of his people.
Jonathan urged the new monarch to use his reign to promote peace, development and unity while preserving the historical heritage of the kingdom.
The Rivers State Government was represented at the ceremony by Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, who described the coronation as a celebration of the identity and cultural heritage of the state.
Odu emphasised the role of traditional rulers in preserving the culture and heritage of their communities and wished the new monarch a reign characterised by wisdom, peace and progress.
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, highlighted the historic relationship between Onitsha and Opobo, describing King Jaja of Opobo as a leader who worked for the freedom and prosperity of his people.
He also prayed for peace and progress throughout the kingdom under the new monarch.
Other traditional rulers who attended the ceremony included the Obong of Calabar; the Amanyanabo of Bonny, King Edward Asimini Dappa Pepple; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; Eze Eberechi Oji; Eze Aro; Eze Iweka III of Obosi; King Buribaye Dakolo of Ekpetiama Kingdom in Bayelsa State; and Eze Eberiuogo of Omuma.
The coronation formally marked the installation of King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja as the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom.
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