Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has formally presented the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the new Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja Jeki VI, urging him to promote peace, unity and inclusiveness in the kingdom.
Fubara, who congratulated the monarch on his successful emergence after the selection and coronation processes, charged him to extend a hand of fellowship to other contenders who lost out in the race, saying they should be regarded as comrades whose contributions are necessary for the progress and development of Opobo Kingdom.
The governor spoke on Friday during the presentation ceremony held at Government House, Port Harcourt.
Fubara apologised for his absence at the coronation of the new monarch, explaining that his non-attendance was due to his engagement in a “call to higher national service,” stressing that his absence did not diminish his commitment to the kingdom or the transition process.
He said history would remember his administration for peacefully resolving the succession crisis surrounding the late Amanyanabo, King Douglas Dandeson Jaja, and facilitating the emergence, coronation and recognition of a new monarch without another round of litigation.
Fubara said the stool of the late king had been embroiled in a legal battle for more than 27 years, adding that his administration deliberately deployed wisdom and consultation to manage the succession process and prevent a recurrence of the crisis.
The governor also dismissed insinuations that his absence from the coronation was politically motivated, insisting that the state government played a central role throughout the process, from the burial of the late monarch to the coronation and recognition of his successor.
“Our presence was not just in that process alone. Every logistics that were required, there is nobody that can say he’s the one that did it. We did it.
“So, for those people who like using everything for politics, my absence was not an intentional thing; it was a call to service. So the fact that I was unable to make it doesn’t mean that I do not value, appreciate or support the process,” he said.
Fubara said the true test of kingship was not merely the attainment of the throne but the ability to manage success and use the position to advance the welfare of the people.
He expressed the hope that the new reign would bring greater development in education, healthcare and small businesses, describing the three sectors as critical to addressing youth unemployment and curbing criminality.
The governor described Opobo as one of the most peaceful local government areas in Rivers State and urged the new monarch to maintain zero tolerance for crime and take decisive measures to protect the kingdom.
He cautioned the monarch against compromising security because of family or kinship ties, stressing that the protection of lives and property should remain a priority under the new reign.
Fubara assured King Jeki VI of the continued support of his administration, both while in office and beyond, while charging the Alapu Council to provide the necessary guidance to the monarch and titled citizens.
He also urged the traditional institution to move beyond ceremonial activities and focus on initiating tangible development projects capable of making a visible impact in the kingdom within the next year.
In his acceptance speech, the new Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja Jeki VI, pledged to build the kingdom on the pillars of service, inclusion and vision.
The monarch said his reign would honour the legacy of the great King Jaja, who founded the Opobo Kingdom 156 years ago through trade and diplomacy.
He described the Staff of Office as more than a symbol of traditional authority, saying it represented a sacred trust from the Rivers State Government and the people to lead with justice, peace and dignity.
King Jeki VI expressed gratitude to God, his ancestors, Governor Fubara, the Opobo Council of Alapu, titled citizens, elders, women and youths for the confidence reposed in him to lead the kingdom into what he described as its “Sixth Chapter.”
He pledged that his reign would make Opobo Kingdom a dependable partner in promoting peace, development and unity in Rivers State
