By Chucks Nwonye
Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, has felicitated with His Majesty, King Charles Douglas Macpepple Jaja, Jeki VI, on his coronation as the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom in Rivers State.
Jonathan, who was accompanied by his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, and a delegation of traditional rulers from Bayelsa State, joined the Government and people of Rivers State, royal fathers from across the country, friends, well-wishers and the entire people of Opobo Kingdom for the historic coronation ceremony.
In a goodwill message personally signed by him, the former President described the occasion as a momentous one for Opobo Kingdom and the entire Niger Delta region.
According to him, the Opobo Kingdom occupies a distinguished place in the history of the nation, with a rich heritage that remains inseparable from the remarkable story of the legendary King Jaja of Opobo.
He noted that the life and legacy of King Jaja continues to evoke the enduring values of courage, enterprise, leadership, resilience and an unwavering commitment to the dignity and identity of his people.
In his words: “My wife and I, accompanied by a delegation of traditional rulers from Bayelsa State, were delighted to join the Government and people of Rivers State, royal fathers from across our great country, friends and well-wishers, and the entire people of Opobo Kingdom in celebrating with His Majesty, King Charles Douglas Macpepple Jaja, Jeki VI, on the occasion of his coronation as the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom.
“The Opobo Kingdom occupies a distinguished place in the history of our nation. Its rich heritage is inseparable from the remarkable story of King Jaja, whose life continues to evoke the enduring values of courage, enterprise, leadership, resilience and an unwavering commitment to the dignity and identity of his people.”
Dr. Jonathan prayed that the reign of the new Amanyanabo will be marked by unity, peace, progress and prosperity for the kingdom and its people.
He expressed the hope that King Charles Jaja’s reign would bring people closer together, preserve the dignity and cultural heritage of Opobo, strengthen the bonds of friendship and understanding among neighbours, and advance the development and well-being of the people of the Kingdom.
“As Your Majesty begins this important chapter of service to the Opobo Kingdom, my prayer is that your reign will be marked by unity, peace, progress and prosperity. May it be a reign that brings people closer together, preserves the dignity and heritage of Opobo, strengthens the bonds of friendship and understanding, and advances the development and well-being of the people,” Jonathan stated.
The former President further extended his warmest congratulations and best wishes to the monarch on behalf of his family.
He prayed for divine wisdom and grace for the new king to lead his people aright and build a lasting legacy.
“Your Majesty, on behalf of my family and myself, I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes on this historic occasion. May Almighty God grant Your Majesty the wisdom to lead, the courage to serve, the patience to unite, and the grace to build a legacy that will endure for generations to come. May your reign be long, peaceful and prosperous,” he added.
The coronation of King Charles Douglas Macpepple Jaja, Jeki VI, as the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom has been described by many as a new dawn for the ancient kingdom, which was founded in 1870 by the iconic King Jaja of Opobo, one of Africa’s most celebrated merchant kings and freedom fighters.
The event attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, including top government officials, traditional rulers, captains of industry, and sons and daughters of Opobo Kingdom both at home and in the diaspora.
