By Elvira Jordan
The Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Hon. James A. James, has described the coronation of King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI as the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom as a historic occasion and a new dawn for the kingdom.
James, who spoke with Exceed FM during the coronation ceremony, said the event was particularly significant because an Nkoro indigene was among those supporting and participating in the historic occasion.
The chairman said the coronation had generated excitement among the people of Opobo/Nkoro, describing the traditional institution as a symbol of unity and peace that brings the people together.
The Council Chairman said a strong traditional institution could help accelerate development in the kingdom, expressing optimism that the coronation would mark the beginning of greater opportunities for Opobo/Nkoro.
He said he expected the new monarch to build partnerships with the Federal, State and Local Governments to attract investors and unlock the kingdom’s tourism potential.
know the traditional stool is a symbol of the people that draws a people close In other words the people see him and that unity, and that peace is there because of that symbol of the unity and peace and I think to the good people of the local government area this is the beginning of good things to com the this kingdom
“Opobo is a tourist center and am wondering why all this while we’ve not been having influx of tourist but from what his Majesty has said during his coronation, I have that firm believe in him that Opobo will attract all the investment through the tourist who will come to see our architectural monuments and also it will attract revenue and boost the IGR of this local government”, he said.
The chairman also spoke on the recent celebration of his 1 year in office and his administration’s efforts to take governance closer to residents, particularly those in remote communities.
He said the local government had embarked on visits to satellite communities to identify their needs and provide government services directly to the people.
James explained that the approach was aimed at ensuring residents feel the presence of government and benefit directly from its programmes.
He said the administration had also recorded positive feedback from residents as a result of its efforts to reach communities that had previously received limited government attention.
The chairman expressed hope that the new reign would further strengthen unity, development and economic opportunities across Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area.
King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja was crowned on Saturday at King Jaja Square in Opobo Town, headquarters of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area.
The monarch, who was elected in December 2025 following the death of his predecessor, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, was anointed and crowned by the Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja.
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 Jaja thanked the people of Opobo and guests for their support, pledging to protect the freedom and rights of his people and uphold the dignity of the traditional institution.
Attending the ceremony was Former President of Nigeria and his wife, Goodluck and Dame Patience Jonathan, along with the Rivers State Governor Siminilayi Fubara who was represented by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof Ngozi Odu.
The ceremony also attracted traditional rulers and dignitaries from across the country, including 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.
