Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, have charged traditional rulers in the state to provide purposeful and selfless leadership.

They also urged them to be custodians of the traditions and heritage of their various communities and kingdoms.

Jonathan and Fubara spoke at the coronation of King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, Amanyanabo (King) of Opobo Kingdom in Rivers State on Saturday.

Jonathan, in his goodwill message, congratulated the new king, assuring him of his support and guidance.

He recalled the history of the throne, especially its first occupant, the legendary King Jaja, noting his impact on the history of the Niger Delta region.

Jonathan stated, “We believe that your reign will bring peace to Opobo, will bring development to Opobo, will bring unity to Opobo, and you will fly this community, this kingdom, and it will bring the respect that it deserves.

“All our government and institutions, as you requested, will work with you to develop our people.”

On his part, Fubara, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, said traditions must be preserved and passed on to generations to come.

He described the coronation of King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja as not only historic but also a celebration of tradition and culture.

He said the government recognised the role traditional rulers play in the development of the state, calling for further partnership between the throne and the government.

“As a government, we recognise the important role traditional institutions play in preserving our cultural values, promoting unity and maintaining peace within our communities. We dare to encourage our traditional rulers to continue to serve as custodians of our heritage and partners in the development of our state.

“We will celebrate our cultural heritage, preserve our traditions, and pass them to our children and grandchildren. This responsibility belongs to all of us. We must ensure that we are able to continue to serve our country, that the values, customs, and traditions that define our people are not lost to future generations,” the governor said.

Fubara urged the monarch to provide purposeful leadership for the kingdom, praying that his reign would be marked by progress for the kingdom.

“May you provide purposeful leadership to your people and continue to contribute to the development and stability of Rivers State. Like Solomon in the Bible, may God Almighty grant you divine wisdom and knowledge to rule over your people,” he stated.

In his remarks, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, noted the relationship between Opobo and Onitsha, promising that the partnership would continue.

Achebe also recalled the bitter experiences of King Jaja with the British government, expressing gratitude that his struggles had become a rich history for the Opobo people to draw upon.

“First of all, it is the historic link between Opobo and Onitsha which is based on trade and mutual respect. Our predecessors have continued that relationship. I recollect with nostalgia that I was here when your predecessor, your elder brother, was also installed in a glittering ceremony such as this.

“I listened to your speech and I appreciate everything you said and how your forefather related with the British. Of course, he was betrayed, but all was not lost and today we are here to present to you that respect and dignity. My prayer is that Opobo will continue to grow and flourish,” he prayed.

Earlier in his speech, the newly installed monarch, King Jaja, pledged that he would uphold the sovereignty and dignity of the kingdom.

“As I ascend the throne of King Jaja and am crowned Jeki VI today, I pledge before God and the ancestors: I will uphold the sovereignty and dignity of Opobo. I will serve with truth, justice and unity.

“I will never bring dishonour to the throne that Chief Jack Annie Pepple and the founders of Opobo built with courage.

“The exodus of 1870 was a journey to freedom. Our journey in 2026 is a journey to development, unity and global relevance,” he declared.

King Jaja also appreciated the Rivers State Government, dignitaries and all organisations for their support.

Present at the event were the wife of former President Dame Patience Jonathan; the Olu of Warri; the Obi of Onitsha; and the King of Bonny Kingdom, King Edward Asimini Dappa-Pepple.

Others were the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V; Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo; MD/CEO of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku; King Mujaheed Dokubo-Asari; and President of the Ijaw National Congress, High Chief Macdonald Igbadiwei.