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 takes the title of Jeki VI, becoming the sixth Amanyanabo since the legendary King Jaja founded the Opobo Kingdom 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 guests and people of Opobo for their support, pledging to protect the freedom and rights of the people and uphold the dignity of the throne.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan congratulated the new monarch and the people of Opobo on the coronation.
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, seated among distinguished guests attending the crowning in Opobo Town. Photo: Channels TV/ Taiwo Adeshina
Jonathan recalled the historical significance of King Jaja of Opobo, describing him as a prominent figure whose struggle for freedom is widely acknowledged.
He urged the new monarch to use his reign to promote peace, development and unity in the kingdom and uphold its place and heritage.
The Rivers State Government was represented at the ceremony by Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.
Odu described the coronation as a celebration of the identity and culture of Rivers State, stressing the role of traditional rulers in preserving the culture and heritage of their people.
She wished the new monarch a reign marked by wisdom, peace and progress.
Olu of Warri and Obi of Onitsha sitting among distinguished guests attending the crowning in Opobo Town. Photo: Channels TV/ Taiwo Adeshina
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, also spoke on the historic relationship between Onitsha and Opobo.
He described King Jaja of Opobo as an honest leader who worked for the freedom and prosperity of his people, while praying for peace and progress in the kingdom.
Other traditional rulers at 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 marked the formal installation of King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja as the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom.