Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja (Jeki VI), new King Jaja of Opobo, begun his reign with a cry to help Opobo. The outcry was heard by Goodluck Jonathan, a former president, and a multitude of monarchs.
The king used same tone of the first king when he said: ‘We do not ask for charity, we ask for equity, same way King Jaja asked for fair trade’. The crowd stirred.
The new king listed the teething problems of his kingdom said Opobo lacks government presence. This seemed to raise eyebrows as the government of Rivers State is controlled by a son of the soil, Sim Fubara, who actually was away in New York on the coronation day.
The new Amanyanabo listed the critical areas of need as shore protection for Opobo satellite communities, something many see as matter of survival of islands and water-based communities in the Niger Delta.
King Jaja receiving letter from Ngozi Odu, deputy governor
Other needs he listed include quality health care, and need to cite higher institutions in the place. A higher institution was being planned for Opobo when Fubara came to power, with a coordinator already working on the project, closely with the governor, until the impeachment crisis erupted.
Speaking shortly after being crowned in Opobo amid pomp and pageantry on Saturday, September 26, 2026, King Jaja VI said, ‘Our needs are clear: sustainable roads and jetties, protection of our shorelines, quality health care and higher institutions, and protection of our riverine environment.’
He continued, ‘We do not ask for charity , we ask for partnership and equity as King Jaja asked for fair trade.’
The Opobo king recalled key contributions made by Opobo to national development, noting that ‘Opobo gave Nigeria palm produce and brave men. We now call for intervention agencies to partner with the people of Opobo.’
In his coronation address, King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja VI urged the people of Opobo Kingdom to uphold the courage, vision and enterprise of their forebears.
L-R: Goodluck Jonathan; wife, Patience; and Ngozi Odu, deputy governorý
ýHe paid tribute to the founding monarch, King Jaja of Opobo, whom he described as a courageous strategist and statesman who built Opobo into a major commercial centre and defended its economic interests against British imperial pressure.
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ýThe monarch said the legacy of King Jaja should continue to inspire present and future generations, urging his people to remain united and committed to the progress and dignity of the kingdom.
Jaja VI pledged to uphold the sovereignty and dignity of Opobo, emphasizing that he will rule with truth, justice, and unity.’
He used the occasion to express thanks to those who made the coronation a success especially top personalities and royals that include the former president, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha; Asari Dokubo, the Amayanabo of Elem Kalabari; Olu of Warri, Obong of Calabar, among others.
King Jaja VI also expressed appreciation to Gov Fubara, Odu, and others for honouring his coronation.
King Charles, who was elected monarch in December 2025, following the death of King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, his predecessor, was anointed and crowned by Emmanuel Oko-Jaja, the Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese, who too is a member of the Council, in keeping with Opobo tradition.
The coronation programme, which began a week earlier with traditional rites and festivities, came to an end on Saturday with the new monarch crowned before dignitaries that included traditional rulers from across the country including the King and Amanyanabo of Bonny, the Dein of Agbor, Alabo Charles Numbere, Regent of Kalabari, and several Amanyanapu and Alapu of Kalabari.
Although Gov Fubara of Rivers State was not physically present, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, was on hand to lead the state delegation. The state government urged traditional rulers in the State to remain custodians of the people’s heritage while contributing to peace, stability and development.
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ýThe government said traditional institutions remained important partners in preserving cultural values, promoting unity and maintaining peace across communities.
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ýThe deputy governor described the coronation as a celebration of Opobo Kingdom’s rich history, culture and enduring heritage, noting that the traditions of the Opobo people form an important part of the cultural identity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
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ýShe stressed the need to preserve and transmit these values to future generations, and prayed for wisdom, peace, unity and progress throughout the reign of King Jaja VI, while urging the monarch to provide purposeful leadership to the people of Opobo Kingdom.
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ýIn his goodwill message, Jonathan, former President, congratulated King Jaja VI, describing him as a respected traditional ruler whose reign would promote peace, unity and development in the kingdom.
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ýJonathan recalled the historical significance of Opobo and the enduring legacy of its traditional institution, noting that the name and image of the late King Jaja remained respected beyond Nigeria.
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ýHe expressed confidence that the new monarch would build on the legacy of his predecessors and use his position to promote peace, unity and development in Opobo.
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Earlier, the Obi of Onitsha described the relationship between Onitsha and Opobo as one founded on trade, mutual respect, and the enduring legacy of their forebears.
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ýHe said he was delighted to witness the occasion, recalling that he had attended the installation of the new monarch’s predecessor and participated in the ceremony in his traditional regalia.