The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has congratulated the new Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, describing his coronation as a significant moment in the history of the kingdom and the Niger Delta.
Ogbuku spoke on Saturday at the coronation ceremony held at King Jaja Square, Opobo Town, Rivers State, where King Jaja VI was formally crowned as the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom.
The monarch succeeded the late King Dandeson Douglas Jaja.
Ogbuku commended the new monarch for assuming the historic throne at an important period in the kingdom’s history, stressing the role of traditional institutions in preserving cultural heritage, identity and values.
He said the responsibility entrusted to King Jaja VI by his people was enormous, expressing confidence that his reign would promote greater unity, peace and development in Opobo Kingdom.
The NDDC boss also highlighted the historical significance of Opobo Kingdom and its founder, King Jaja of Opobo, to the Niger Delta, particularly in leadership, enterprise, courage and community development.
He called for stronger collaboration among traditional institutions, governments and other stakeholders to promote sustainable development across the Niger Delta.
According to him, traditional rulers have an important role in mobilising their people, preserving cultural values and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Ogbuku congratulated the people of Opobo Kingdom on the successful coronation and wished King Jaja VI a peaceful, prosperous and impactful reign.
The ceremony was attended by prominent personalities, including former President Goodluck Jonathan; Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof Ngozi Odu; the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Obong of Calabar; and the Amanyanabo of Bonny, King Edward Asimini Dappa Pepple, among others.
King Jaja VI, who was elected in December 2025 following the death of his predecessor, pledged to protect the rights and freedoms of his people and uphold the dignity of the throne.